Truth & Rumors > NBA

Why Kobe is due for a decline

Views
79884
Comments
1557

07:57 AM ET 08.26 | The odometer keeps rolling. Now that Kobe Bryant's turned 32, how much of a decline can we expect in his game over the next few seasons? When Michael Jordan returned to the Chicago Bulls late in the 94-95 season -- at 32 -- he'd played only 778 NBA regular season and playoff games. By comparison, Kobe Bryant has already played a whopping 1,219 games, 57 percent more than Jordan at the same age. Kobe is clearly the NBA version of a Ferrari with high mileage. ... Bryant's stats have also dipped in several categories in the last five seasons:

Scoring per game: 35.4, 31.6, 28.3, 26.8, to 27.0 last season

Free throw attempts per game: 10.2, 10.0, 9.0, 6.9, 7.4

Minutes per game: 41.0, 40.8, 38.9, 36.1, 38.8.

Los Angeles Times

Kobe Bryant, Getty Images Kobe Bryant, Getty Images
August 26, 2010  08:00 AM ET

Complete non-story

August 26, 2010  08:14 AM ET

Hadn't noticed... too many trophies got in the way, I guess.

August 26, 2010  08:16 AM ET
QUOTE(#1):

Complete non-story

True, this is a BS article. With improving supporting cast, individual stats drop and team wins multiple. The guy has been to the finals three straight years without Shaq. That's amazing and their team has improved this year as well. If Bynum gets healthy he'd have to settle for 20, 5, 5.

Kobe has transformed himself from a ball hog to one of the best team players in the league. His stats will drop but the Lakers will continue to win. Who got a problem with that?

August 26, 2010  08:20 AM ET
QUOTE(#3):

True, this is a BS article. With improving supporting cast, individual stats drop and team wins multiple. The guy has been to the finals three straight years without Shaq. That's amazing and their team has improved this year as well. If Bynum gets healthy he'd have to settle for 20, 5, 5.Kobe has transformed himself from a ball hog to one of the best team players in the league. His stats will drop but the Lakers will continue to win. Who got a problem with that?

I'm sure Laker fans don't have a problem with that whatsoever. This is a non-story. Of course his production in certain areas (PPG) will decline as he ages; however, he's become a much, much better team player. After it's all said in done, I'm pretty sure his dip in PPG will be nullified by all the scoring opp's he creates for his other teammates.

Comment #5 has been removed
August 26, 2010  08:30 AM ET

Well of course they will decline its part of getting old but he has support to help carry the load into the playoffs where he can do the most damage. Another complete non story

August 26, 2010  08:31 AM ET
QUOTE:

http://www.needaseller.comHello everybody,The company launched the National Day Carnival as long as 200, both beautiful gift, surprise here, do not miss, welcome all the friends come to order. Our service purpose: "Customer is God " Free to pay the freight, 100% Free Shipping.New era cap $15 Bikini (Ed hardy,polo) $25Sunglasses(Oakey,coach,gucci,Armaini)$16Tshirts (Polo ,ed hardy,lacoste) $16Air jordan(1-24)shoes $33 Handbags(Coach,ed hardy,lv,d&g) $35 Jean(True Religion,ed hardy,coogi) $30 Hot products this month:NHL Jersey,NFL Jersey,NBA Jersey,MLB Jersey,Sunglass AAA,Not of the update ...http://www.needaseller.comFree to pay the freight, 100% Free Shipping.

Lost are you trying to sell your stuff again, nobody wants your Lebron Knicks jersey lol

August 26, 2010  08:38 AM ET

i suppose this will be the same story next year after he wins another ring

kobe is king
period

August 26, 2010  08:40 AM ET

You say that with almost every story...LOL

August 26, 2010  08:42 AM ET
QUOTE(#10):

You say that with almost every story...LOL

who??

August 26, 2010  08:47 AM ET

I myself, and all the Lakers fans out there, I'm sure, have absolutely no problem with Kobe averaging 15 points a game, as long as that means he's giving up the ball and others are making shots. He should be mature enough by now to know personal stats don't really matter, championships do.

August 26, 2010  08:48 AM ET

Keep dreaming kobe haters! The guy has been best in the world for a decade now and that's not gonna change for at least another three seasons

August 26, 2010  08:54 AM ET
QUOTE(#13):

Keep dreaming kobe haters! The guy has been best in the world for a decade now and that's not gonna change for at least another three seasons

Who is hating on Kobe???

August 26, 2010  08:56 AM ET

This is stupid. Kobe's ring count has gone up too!

August 26, 2010  08:56 AM ET

what's to complain about if your scoring ave "dips" to 27.0.... (with injuries mind you)

August 26, 2010  09:08 AM ET

He still the best player in the game right now!....non-story with the whole old man age thing.

August 26, 2010  09:15 AM ET

His scoring went up last year...how is that a slip?

Last year early he was shooting 48% looking about the best he's ever looked - until Jordan Farmar's poor passing did his finger in.

I remember when all the fairweather fans that watch sports only for an outlet for their bitter outlook would bombard this board. Now we all love Kobe?

Comment #20 has been removed
August 26, 2010  09:19 AM ET
QUOTE(#14):

Who is hating on Kobe???

I haven't seen it if it's here.

 
August 26, 2010  09:21 AM ET
QUOTE(#19):

His scoring went up last year...how is that a slip?Last year early he was shooting 48% looking about the best he's ever looked - until Jordan Farmar's poor passing did his finger in.I remember when all the fairweather fans that watch sports only for an outlet for their bitter outlook would bombard this board. Now we all love Kobe?

I don't like Kobe. But he's a phenominal talent (having gone to high school close by to him, he was all the talk then) and he's going to have up and down years, games, etc. It's called sports. I think whomever wrote this article needs a clue.

Still hate Kobe, but this article is BS.

Comment

Remember to keep your posts clean. Profanity will get filtered, and offensive comments will be removed.


Truth & Rumors

MOST POPULAR

  1. 1
    Rihanna outs Smith's hard-partying ways
    Views
    16729
    Comments
    1073
  2. 2
    Steinbrenner believes in less-expensive Yanks
    Views
    15334
    Comments
    431
  3. 3
    Carlyle haunted by Game 7 regrets
    Views
    4072
    Comments
    123
  4. 4
    Bard's career nearing precipice
    Views
    1928
    Comments
    70
  5. 5
    Calipari's NCAA rant: 'We need to separate'
    Views
    17746
    Comments
    62

SI.com

Swimsuit

SI Photos