Kobe: The four star (and gold star) general
Over yonder at the K Brothers' Internet venture SportsHubLA.com, our co-founder David Neiman has written a piece about the evolution of Kobe Bryant as a leader, a maturation process featuring up's paired with down's, unfair media treatment paired with legitimate criticism, Kobe not instilling confidence paired with lesser players not always providing him reason to feel secure, along with the inevitable "Is he the next MJ" analysis (which I'm happy to say I've never written about, nor do I plan to). Every turn along this twisty, unpredictable road has taken us to 2008, where two-thirds of the season is in the books, the Lakers are looking like the team to beat, and Kobe Bryant is emerging as the leader many hoped he could eventually become.
Ironically, this has all happened after The Mamba kicked off this season appearing to have as much interest in leading these Lakers as Harrison Ford had in being a presenter at this year's Oscars without a new Indiana Jones movie to promote and the apparent lure of an open bar. But after a fairly indifferent preseason, Kobe immediately began proving many, including myself, wrong by doing what we predicted he wouldn't (or couldn't). Both in example and through continual encouragement, Kobe wasted no time getting the best out of teammates. Before we knew it (and even before Pau Gasol), this Laker team was looking more and more "real." A lion's share of that credit should go to Kobe and a never-better display of leadership, even if some fans will resist these props as an unintended backhanded compliment.
I won't rehash my thoughts on "Kobe making teammates better," since I've written about it on more than one occasion since 2006 and my opinion hasn't changed. I would, however, like to discuss what I consider the marked difference in Kobe as a leader this season, which is that he now plays like a guy willing to risk losing. Note, I didn't say "accept" losing. Big difference, and the latter hardly applies to The New Jack Bauer. Bar none, he's the most competitive baller the NBA has to offer. But in order to win, not over the course of one game but an entire season, you can't be afraid to risk losing. It's just not possible. For example, I play poker. And not to dislocate my shoulder patting myself on the back, but I'm fairly good. I probably won't win the World Series of Poker anytime soon, but I compete regularly against people who work with the WPT and the WSOP (meaning, they gamble a lot), and I more than hold my own. But I'm not a great player yet, because I struggle with the risk of losing. I'm still learning how to accept losses as part of the game and to make the right play every time, even when elimination hangs in the balance. Over the long haul, you end up winning more and, more importantly, establish yourself as a player extremely difficult to bully. Any poker great will say that fearlessness towards losing is a must if you want to want a World Series bracelet around your wrist.
The same fearlessness towards losses come with seeing the bigger picture in the NBA. In order for Kobe to get the most out of his supporting cast (and ultimately rack the most wins), he can't treat each game as if losing is a catastrophic result, even if that's how he really feels. Too often in the past, his reluctance to put a game in anybody's hands but his own, especially when previous chances weren't immediately fruitful, led to Kobe taking over. And aside from being unfair to Kobe himself, that's just not practical, nor does it lead to jelling as a unit come playoff time. I think Kobe understands this now. And in a lot of ways, Kobe always knew this better than anybody, even if he didn't know he did. That same fearlessness Bryant displays when it comes to putting up a game winning jumper is all about being unafraid to cause a loss by missing. It's really no different. What's changed now is that Kobe doesn't seem nearly as resistant about someone else taking that shot, even though it'll inevitably be him nine out of ten times (as well it should be). His teammates still know they have his endorsement, which means everything to them.
Kobe fans typically bristle at the notion that he's "changed" anything, because along with that acknowledgment comes the acknowledgment that something needed changing. And since, with all due respect, the Kobe faithful are an oft hyper-sensitive lot, they take that as a bigger criticism than it really is (since it's pretty much a given that since nobody's perfect and people generally do evolve). Instead, they cite Andrew Bynum, Jordan Farmar, or Sasha Vujacic's improvement and say, "they're better, so Kobe trusts them. It's that's simple." But in a rush to "defend Kobe's honor," fans are actually selling short Bryant's pointed efforts, not to mention his effect on teammates. The quest to present Kobe as Teflon against any criticism robs him of props he's earned and deserves this season. Yes, it becomes easier for Kobe to play this way while surrounded by guys kicking ass, but it's also easier to kick ass while playing with a leader who believes in your ability. Obviously, the Laker's 2008 rise hasn't been entirely about Kobe growing as a leader. Factors ranging from Derek Fisher's presence, player improvement and roster changes have played a role. But for those who don't think that a LOT has to do with a difference in Kobe's demeanor, on the court and in the locker room, I got news for you. You're fooling yourself. Everyone from Kobe's teammates to his coaching staff to occasionally Kobe himself has repeated my sentiments. They can't all just be falling for "media hype."
Put it this way. When's the last time you've ever heard someone say, "I've never understood where the idea that Kobe didn't trust teammates or has grown as a leader is coming from, because he's been acting the same way since day one?" My guess. You haven't.
Frankly, instead of shooting down what's so blatantly obvious, Kobe's fans should instead be stoked and focused on the bigger and better: This is Kobe's year. As I've said many times on the blog and once or twice while on "The Steve Mason Show," barring either a complete collapse by the Lakers or Kobe drastically changing what he's doing (neither of which I see coming), not only should Kobe be named MVP, I'm convinced he will. I've felt that way since around mid-November and my opinion hasn't changed. I know some of y'all refuse to believe the media that "hates" Kobe so much will ever throw some hardware his way. Maybe it's because I'm around these folks all the time and they don't spend nearly as much time plotting Kobe's demise as you're picturing. Or maybe I'm just naive to the power of KG and LBJ's persuasion. But I'm still calling it. All things remaining equal-ish, Kobe walks away with the gold. If I'm wrong, I'll have no choice but to own up. But I have a feeling Laker fans will be spending more time celebrating Kobe's triumph than mocking my prediction come May.
And you can thank his career-high leadership, whether you buy or sell that stat.
AK
Ak Bk
Any chance to verify IP addresses from posters here?
Posted by: Charles | February 28, 2008 at 04:56 PM
Kobe needs to prove that come playoff time,he can stay the course( Sorry George)If he decides to play the way he did in Detroit..The Lakers will be in trouble.The first time the Lakers are struggling and Kobe tries to take over,the Lakers will lose.Remember..Kobe has never been an mvp..their is a reason...Kobe has to continue to be a leader and play the way he has this season..but remember we havnt seen Kobe do this in the playoffs...3/4 of the season is a start but lets see it in the playoffs...Also NO D...No ring.
Posted by: neil | February 28, 2008 at 04:59 PM
Kobe! Kobe! Kobe! MVP! MVP! MVP!
Go lakers! Go Kobe! Blazing time. Smoke the Heat, lakers!!!
Posted by: trio | February 28, 2008 at 04:59 PM
Never, make sure you started to record the Game.. I'm starting to love your DVR.. What will be the score?
Posted by: trio | February 28, 2008 at 05:00 PM
50 BEFORE 20!
T.J. SIMERS? NO! KAREEM? YES!
NO MVP? NO PEACE!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | February 28, 2008 at 05:01 PM
Kobe is one of the most under-rated leaders in the game.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | February 28, 2008 at 05:02 PM
Go Lakers!
Posted by: DJDub | February 28, 2008 at 05:05 PM
Are you saying Harrison looked snickered?
Cause he did to me...
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | February 28, 2008 at 05:07 PM
Lakers 110 Heat 96
Posted by: DJDub | February 28, 2008 at 05:11 PM
Seeing that my previous post seem to (somewhat) fit the title of this new thread, here's a repost:
knowing posted:
And please, the Sacramento Kings used to call their guys "The Bench Mob" so let's come up with something better because our guys are definitely much better!
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: knowing is half the battle | February 28, 2008 at 10:15 AM
JustaLakerFan replied:
Sure how about the "other starting unit" or "Bench" or "Our Other Starters"
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | February 28, 2008 at 03:46 PM
Anytime, man! I sure bet anything sounds better than "The Bench Mob". I still picture those Kings wannabees from a few years back. Try this link:
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1208/is_3_224/ai_59021120
Here's an excerpt:
"...The Bench Mob (point guard Darrick Martin and shooting guard Barry are credited with creating the moniker) has become a vital extension of the team's identity.
The Mob is comprised of its primary group--Martin, Barry, small forward Peja Stojakovic, power forward Lawrence Funderburke and center/forward Scot Pollard--and a secondary group, defensive specialists Tyrone Corbin and Tony Delk, plus rarely used center Bill Wennington."
I used to hate those guys! The guys that come closest to mind today are the Phoenix Suns players. As Frank Perconte was once heard saying "[T]hey're all piss and vinegar". Hmm, come to think of it... how about SECOND PLATOON!
I'm feeling brother(ly) right now... to whomever's in charge of the BANDwagons... sign me up sir! I'm one of the replacements.
Posted by: knowing is half the battle | February 28, 2008 at 05:01 PM
Here's to the 10th win tonight! CHEERS!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: knowing is half the battle | February 28, 2008 at 05:11 PM
Instead of the bench mob (Sacto Queens), how about...
THE PINE CRUE
Can you tell I'm a rocker?
Colorado loves the Lakers!
Posted by: Hugo Boss | February 28, 2008 at 05:14 PM
Why Charles...
You don't want to start verifying addresses. Soon you'll be reading diaries.
Just trust buddy…it's the only alternative that makes sense...
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | February 28, 2008 at 05:15 PM
WesJoe,
Let me put this way. I wouldn't have given him the keys to the Millennium Falcon. haha
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | February 28, 2008 at 05:15 PM
Charles
I'm not Phoenix Fan, what he or she couldn't go back or remember what you have written before. Are you calling P. Fan a dumb blogger
K.bros it's cool you can check the IP , so they can hear from you guys that I'm not P.F.
Posted by: Fire32 | February 28, 2008 at 05:17 PM
AK
Its not that kobe's image to his supporters are pristine. what bugs at least me, on writers that say that kobe finally "gets" it, is not because they are wrong, (indeed kobe had to go through that maturation process), but that they only see it now. the whole process of kobe "getting" it started after they lost to detroit. its just culminating now.
Posted by: designmao | February 28, 2008 at 05:18 PM
AK,
i think you spend more time on youtube than me! and thats alot!
Posted by: Lakers Legacy | February 28, 2008 at 05:21 PM
I have to say Charles, I prefer openness to restrictions...
trolls are annoying but freedom has it's price...
monitoring IP addresses gives me a whole Big Brother vibe that seems unnecessary for an informal blog...
Posted by: DrewPauKobe | February 28, 2008 at 05:22 PM
Amazing
how some people can hold grudges!
I don't have a problem with Charles, I say let bygones be bygones as a matter a fact I never had a problem with him even after he pretty much called me DUMB.
Charles is the one that can't let go.
In the mean time I'll take the advise and abuse of other bloggers here.
have a good one Charles
Posted by: Fire32 | February 28, 2008 at 05:23 PM
that was long, can I have a summary? lol. But seriously, long!
Posted by: Faith | February 28, 2008 at 05:23 PM
Predictions for a final score anyone?
Lakers 110 Heat 96
Posted by: DJDub | February 28, 2008 at 05:23 PM
The Kobe / Gasol tandem is like two pit bulls going at it. Neither one knows how to stop responding to the other's aggression.
One makes a play--a great play by the other follows. One makes a stop, one blocks a shot.
One does something clutch, has a game defining play, and the other has to do the same thing.
When is this going to stop?
This is why we're not going to loose tonight.
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | February 28, 2008 at 05:25 PM
AK/BK
you should charge import taxes on Fire32 and Sonnybelfast.
i understand if they come here with smack and one liners.
but if they take so much space/time and lakers fans attention to talk about funs&queens they should PAY for it.
Posted by: ZIn Master | February 28, 2008 at 05:29 PM
Nice piece, AK...well thought out and presented. I don't completely agree, however for the following reason. During the 3peat years, when Kobe was surrounded by seasoned, battle tested teammates, he also played a more structured, team oriented style of ball. I don't remember him not trusting Derek Fisher, Big Shot Bob Horry or Brian Shaw when the game was on the line. Game knows game and those were the type of teammates that Kobe COULD trust. After the breakup of the 3peat era, the Smush/Kwame days forced Kobe to be a different player. He did what he had to do to keep the team on a competitive level until players such as Jordan, Sasha, Ronny and Baby were ready for prime time.
Without Shaq, most pundits opined that Kobe was somehow lacking in leading his team. Now with the current Laker success, he's universally regarded as having had an epiphany and now "getting it". I think that the truth lies somewhere in between.
I compare the situation with Kobe and his current teammates with a father teaching his son how to drive a car. Only after many fits and starts, and trials and error does Dad feel comfortable enough to hand Junior the keys and fall asleep on the passenger side while Junior drives the family home. The so-called maturation of Kobe Bryant has as much to do with his teammates as it does with him.
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | February 28, 2008 at 05:31 PM
Does this mean you'll be replacing your Steve Nash poster in your bedroom with a Kobe one?
I'm glad to see you are finally coming around to see in Kobe what many of of us have seen for two years. jk -appreciate your thoughts.
Kobe has been a great leader in the past, but had no army to lead. He has become a General for the occasion. As he said this summer, give me the talent, and let me prove what I can do. He has.
I've been debating all year with myself as to who the real MVP is. I started with KG, and wavered between Kobe and Lebron. I still feel it is too early to vote, but since you cast your lot, I guess I can as well.
Its really close. But in this case, the tie goes to the runner.
Kobe is the MVP.
Posted by: AN 1 | February 28, 2008 at 05:35 PM
when you're a guard, they teach you to dribble low to minimize the chance that the ball may be strip out of your hands.
lamar's guard mentality probably causes him to barge into the paint dribbling as low as he can, as a result he gets in contact with the defenders chest resulting in those offensive fouls that we seee in almost every game.
if he were smaller, those would be blocking fouls instead
i think..
Posted by: designmao | February 28, 2008 at 05:38 PM
with the beggining of march nearing is there any new news on our golden child andrew? i know he was suppossed to run in a pool last thursday. did he do that? is he still comming back in the middle of march or in march altogether? you would think there would be a day by day progress. anyways, good news would be nice.
lakers win big tonight
GO LAKERS
Posted by: mrbarneydangles | February 28, 2008 at 05:40 PM
LakerTom,
While we were the first ones to join your bandwagon last year, Korey, Faith and I would not want to jinx the Lakers this year. There is no need to announce where our hearts are. Besides, you're fickling between 55 to 60, that's how Seniors drive in the Southland freeways. lol!
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | February 28, 2008 at 05:43 PM
Kobe's a sargent not a general. see the fall blogs.
as to him "getting it", that's just stupid. during the championship years, he always led the team in assists. is he getting better at including the rest of the team? why shore! he has to get better if he works on his game, which we know he does. the main difference now is that his teammates "get it". as good as the team that lost to detroit was, they didn't "get it" as a team compared to the previos 3 years, and they really didn't "get it" compared to the present squad....
Posted by: man | February 28, 2008 at 05:45 PM
They only check when it get's to hot on the blog!
Posted by: chuck23 | February 28, 2008 at 05:46 PM
By the way, where is our Canadian French fan, Guy Owanlele? He doesn't post anymore, I wonder whether he is still recording the Lakers on his VHS. Guy Ooooooh, are you still there? we're now about to fulfill our dream.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | February 28, 2008 at 05:48 PM
Kobe always had a different mind set came playoff time when he was 3peating with Shaq and all the veterans. When playoff time came, he became eminently coachable and did everything PJ asked him to do to win the championships.
This year, even in the regular season, Kobe has been playing toward the same single minded purpose to winning but he is listening better, taking a longer term view because he is acting as the leader for this still very young squad. Now he is the eminence gris-the gray eminence of his young teammates.
And he has seen how his young teammates have risen to the challenge reminding him of himself. AB came back after Kobe's slam on him and instead of wilting like a Kwame flower, AB exceeded expectations and became a force. Farmar reacted to the Lakers drafting Crit and welcoming back Fish by working harder and exceeding expectations. Turiaf came back from life threatening heart surgery. Sasha overcame his game jitters.
LO has responded to the Gasol trade in the most positive way possible. Mitch hunkered down through all the criticisms and came up with fabulous trades and high draft picks. Buss swallows the luxury tax hit. Kobe will be a Laker for life and this year marks his first regular season and playoff MVP awards.
Posted by: LakerinBC | February 28, 2008 at 05:48 PM
neil,
kobe's play had nothing to do with losing to detroit in 04. KL an GUNNER tried to make this arguement several times last summer and were proven wrong over andd over again, and I'm sure plenty of posters would enjoy proving you wrong again.
Also I hope your "D wins championships" remark isn't a knock on kobe's D, because if it was, you'd be way off mark.
Posted by: LAKERDAWG | February 28, 2008 at 05:51 PM
60 before 20
Baywood
Posted by: Baywood | February 28, 2008 at 05:52 PM
I just want to go on the record:
The Phoenix Suns already at 19 losses will drop to a 7th or 8th seed -- and might not make the playoffs at all (Yao's injury probably saves them).
The Suns remaining schedule includes:
* At Detroit and Boston
* 4 back-to-backs for an aging team with essentially a 7-man rotation (inc two second games in Denver at altitude)
* Spurs x2, Denver x3, Golden State x2, Dallas and Utah in Phx, Portland x3
The Suns could easily lose another 10+ games.
How sweet would it be for Shaq to lead the Suns ... right out of the playoffs and into the lottery...?!
Posted by: SG | February 28, 2008 at 05:52 PM
50 before 20 is 10-3.. not Championship level.
60 before 20 is!
Baywood
Posted by: Baywood | February 28, 2008 at 05:54 PM
btw-
not that it really matters, but i was making noises during Kobe's summer of angst that the Lakers had made the terrible practice of taking the basketball people out of management decisions. well, i likely didn't know what i was talking about, or the team decided to go back to having basketball people run the team because this present roster is 180 degrees from what it was in summer.
thank you Jerry Buss and company.
Posted by: man | February 28, 2008 at 05:54 PM
The thing that has always made Kobe a leader is his intensity and work ethic. It has just been impossible for him to be a leader with no followers. If you were as driven as Kobe, it would be frustrating to put up with slackers. Kobe does not suffer bums politely.
Now that he has some people who are willing to work, they should appreciate Kobe's dedication. He leads by example. When we get a championship (not if, when - this year or next) it will in large part be due to the contagion of Kobe's drive and work ethic as well as people knowing that he will not be polite if you slack.
Posted by: JohnnyP | February 28, 2008 at 05:54 PM
Who here thinks the Suns will knock the Lakers out of the playoffs again?
Posted by: BostonBoy | February 28, 2008 at 05:57 PM
Lakers got another endorsement, this time from John Galinsky:
http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/powerRankings
We're not accustomed to being the No. 1. for almost a week now. Get used to these bragging rights we have some players to thank for: Smush, Cookie and Kwame, without your support of leaving the team we will not accomplish this dream.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | February 28, 2008 at 05:58 PM
They should abolish the MVP award, but if they don't, then they should give it to Kobe this year.
AK, I see you are still trying to reason with people who have invested their hearts into seeing Kobe as more than mortal. These folks need a hero so bad that they are willing to shut down their brains completely to get him. No one with a mind set like this will ever be swayed by any amount of arguments you put forth..therefore, you are a HORRIBLE KOBE-HATER for writing that article!.
Posted by: guity | February 28, 2008 at 06:02 PM
Bench names:
'1.0.2 Lakers' or 'Lakers 1.0.2' --lets have a tech note to the name.
The Rad Pack
Chack's Army
Posted by: MiloRambaldi | February 28, 2008 at 06:03 PM
The MVP is a curse! The team with the MVP has not won the title since Duncan back in 2003....
In my opinion, I consider the MVP race a tie between Chris Paul and Kobe. Paul is for real.
Posted by: never | February 28, 2008 at 06:04 PM
Great perspective (AK/BK)..sorry I didn't see who wrote the opening blah blah..anywho..im glad you didn't add the whole "Kobe makes his teamates better" mantra! I really hate that statement cuz I'm a firm believer that yu can't make a teammate better..they have to make themselves better by taking advantage of the situation there in and putting in the work to improve. Well done Padawans!
Posted by: lakeraholic | February 28, 2008 at 06:06 PM
The best way to view this is to step outside of basketball.
Kobe Bryant is 29 years old.
It sounds old in basketball terms, but in life terms, he's just a kid. He's maturing, yes, but in the same way a 29 year old is still maturing and learning about his world.
He's not some punk who has suddenly changed his colors. He's just a young man about to enter his 30's.
Now some of you say that he should have matured by now, indeed, some seem to have that wisdom earlier - witness Jordan Farmar. But by and large, today's 30 is what 20 used to be in a rougher times. In a relatively peaceful world, we are getting married later, having families later, and maturing later.
I think Phil Jackson said it best when he said a few years back that he believed that "Kobe has a good heart". I don't think Phil would have come back if he didn't believe that. With that good heart, he knew that the wisdom would eventually come around to Kobe.
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | February 28, 2008 at 06:08 PM
Seeing that my previous post seem to (somewhat) fit the title of this new thread, here's a repost:
knowing posted:
And please, the Sacramento Kings used to call their guys "The Bench Mob" so let's come up with something better because our guys are definitely much better!
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: knowing is half the battle | February 28, 2008 at 10:15 AM
JustaLakerFan replied:
Sure how about the "other starting unit" or "Bench" or "Our Other Starters"
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | February 28, 2008 at 03:46 PM
Anytime, man! I sure bet anything sounds better than "The Bench Mob". I still picture those Kings wannabees from a few years back. Try this link:
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1208/is_3_224/ai_59021120
Here's an excerpt:
"...The Bench Mob (point guard Darrick Martin and shooting guard Barry are credited with creating the moniker) has become a vital extension of the team's identity.
The Mob is comprised of its primary group--Martin, Barry, small forward Peja Stojakovic, power forward Lawrence Funderburke and center/forward Scot Pollard--and a secondary group, defensive specialists Tyrone Corbin and Tony Delk, plus rarely used center Bill Wennington."
I used to hate those guys! The guys that come closest to mind today are the Phoenix Suns players. As Frank Perconte was once heard saying "[T]hey're all piss and vinegar". Hmm, come to think of it... how about SECOND PLATOON!
I'm feeling brother(ly) right now... to whomever's in charge of the BANDwagons... sign me up sir! I'm one of the replacements.
Posted by: knowing is half the battle | February 28, 2008 at 05:01 PM
Here's to the 10th win tonight! CHEERS!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: knowing is half the battle | February 28, 2008 at 05:11 PM
Instead of the bench mob (Sacto
I did reply and made 1 typo. "Bench" should have been "Bench Starters and I'll add "DA Bench". I kinda got on the Bench starters because of PJ's interview when asked about the bench. In short he gave props to other teams benches and same to ours. He said to have a strong bench you have to have starters willing to come off the bench. Hence Bench Starters etc. So Igree we should not use cowtowns bench nickname.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | February 28, 2008 at 06:13 PM
"i'm looking forward too see the lakers play. they are ballin' now: kobe, pau gasol...."
charles barkely TNT/halftime
Posted by: ZIn Master | February 28, 2008 at 06:23 PM
My comment on D winning championships is not on Kobe's shoulder but the WHOLE team.Almost everyone on this blog looks at what a player does on offense not Defense.With that said the WHOLE team needs to be on the same page defensivly.Kobe still gambles too much and while it does account for steals,it doen'st help the overall D.Gasol is soft and Fisher can't stop fast guards(Who Can?)Meaning everyone needs to help each other.The Lakers of the 80's would shut down a team when it was time to do it.I have yet to see this kind of D yet.You watch a Bostongame or Detroit it is NOT their offense that is impressive it 's their D.So if the Lakers want the championship,its time to play D.!!!!
Posted by: neil | February 28, 2008 at 06:26 PM
AK,
A splendid diatribe, perhaps your finest as a Laker fan, definitely your finest as a Kobe fan. And please accept that as a compliment from one of your more fanatical followers and admirers and occasional doubter. You are now a true Kobe and Laker fan. (Not to say that you weren’t before, lol)
I especially loved your discussion of the risk of losing, which is dead on in basketball as it is in poker and as it also is in life and business. I will acquiesce to your contrast of Kobe the leader this season versus prior seasons. Like everything else in this perfect storm of a Lakers season, it’s where we are right now which is all that really counts.
Good job, Andy. You should also post it on SportsHubLA, a venture that you guys should really be proud of. I love Ted Green and the article from David Neiman was the best comprehensive assessment of Kobe Bryant and his perfect storm season that I have read.
For the KBros Blog and SportsHubLA: Kudos and thanks,
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | February 28, 2008 at 06:26 PM
Edwin,
This senior loves speed. The best thing about 80 or 90 is that you don't have to look in your mirror to change lanes. I am really into the 65 win bandwagon or the 81 win bandwagon if we add 16 more games. LOL.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | February 28, 2008 at 06:31 PM
Possible new names for bench mob
Kourt Kids
The Calvary
The Reserves
Scrubs
Subs
The Kobe Kats
The Wave (my fav)
The Replacements
Misfits
Gym Rats (I can hear Kobe saying that)
PJ's Bombers
Walton's Wrecking Crew
Ronny's Swat Team
Jordie and the Jammers
Lights Out
Bad News Boys
Conquering Horde
Had enough? Yet there's more...
The Fantastics
Sashanators
Posted by: AN 1 | February 28, 2008 at 06:34 PM