Since 2002, Kobe Bryant's reputation has taken a 180 turn. Back then the Lakers and him just finished sweeping the New Jersey Nets in the Finals for the Lakers' third consecutive title. Shaq and him formed some of the most incredible teams in NBA history during that era.
Now look at him...
He's dealt with rape allegations. Sure the case was dropped but the damage was done.
And then there was the Shaq feud that ended with the big man leaving for the Miami Heat.
And now the possibly of Mr. Bryant wanting to be traded from the very team he wanted for himself.
Kobe, if you have any sense about your reputation you will stay put in LA. Without a doubt, when Bryant is on no one can touch him in the NBA. As much as I dislike the Lakers I have to hand it to Kobe and Co. for all the years they took down tough teams like Portland, San Antonio, and Sacramento. And heck, did I mention Kobe is surely one of the 50 greatest NBA players ever?
But that all goes out the window if the Lower Merion H.S. grad darts LA.
Why?
Every person with any remote knowledge about the sport of basketball realizes Shaq's departure was Kobe's doing because he wanted the team to himself.
Now Kobe wants to leave the mess he created? Say he does get traded to some other team and wins another championship or two. When his career is over, and people look back at his statistically, amazing career they will not help but say, "Yeah he was a great player, but..."
Just look at Wilt Chamberlin. A mythological creature who forever changed the way basketball was played. He is always talked about but people continue to mention how he was a poor teammate and how he did have various off court problems.
In the long run leaving LA would be an unwise decision. Bryant is a Laker. He's been one since he was traded from Charlotte to LA during the 1996 NBA Draft.
Again, if he is traded his reputation will be similar to the Big Dipper's.
"Yeah he was great player, but..."
Just be careful what you wish for Kobe.
Ariel Meredith
Irina Shayk
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That blog was definitely one of the top 10 blogs I have ever read on FanNation.
G.O.A.T. is back?
Scranton, PA
Total Comments (12359)
"Every person with any remote knowledge about the sport of basketball realizes Shaq's departure was Kobe's doing because he wanted the team to himself." ?????
Remote is right,.. maybe Antarctica ??
This is the Fact, and I challenge you or anyone to dispute it.
53 - 30 = 23 ----- Divided by 9 !
In other words, Shaq Demanded 30 million dollars a year
in a five year contract,..... or a Trade,......... which was done
during the summer when Kobe was a free agent, forcing Buss
to choose between Shaq, a guy on his way down, with one or two
good years left in him, and a young superstar with possibly 10
years, the would accept 43.6 million less.
Now You, tell me which you would choose ?
If you say Shaq,..
Then tell me,.. How were they supposed to pay 9 players with
23 million dollars ???
NBAallTheWay
San Diego, CA
Total Comments (891)
I understand what you are saying, but Shaq leaving LA had more to do with Kobe than to do with your issue.
QuadrupleDouble
Baton Rouge , LA
Total Comments (85)
More to do than 30 million a Year ?
What could be more important than the ability to pay your team ?
Shaq knew this ... Why don't you ?
You expected Kobe a free agent who was bombarded with offers
of upwards to 25 million a year from many team owners, who knew
that he was the key to those rings, to accept the left-overs of 7 million
and give the extra 10 million a year to Shaq ?
Why ?
Just to please Shaq ?
Would you do that ?
NBAallTheWay
San Diego, CA
Total Comments (891)
I think you win this argument. ha
QuadrupleDouble
Baton Rouge , LA
Total Comments (85)
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