Views: 6095
Comments: 40

09:30 AM ET 08.11 | On the day the Lakers officially acquired the man who could one day lift the franchise torch from the aging hands of Kobe Bryant, another equally compelling thing happened. Bryant said he would be ready, willing and thrilled to hand it to him. On the day Dwight Howard became the newest Laker, their legendary star anointed him as the next Kobe Bryant. "Look, I'm going to play two, maybe three more years ??? then the team is his," Bryant said Friday night. "I'm excited for the Laker franchise. Now they have a player that can carry the franchise well after I'm gone. It should be his. He should be willing to accept that challenge."

Kobe Bryant, Lars Baron/Getty Images

Comments (40) Add A Comment

August 11, 2012 09:52 AM ET

Report Abuse | QUOTE

LOL>.....Thats funny..

K.I.G.

Total Comments (13362)

August 11, 2012 09:53 AM ET

Report Abuse | QUOTE

I think the keywords in there are "well after im gone".

Also he says he will be around another 2 or 3 years THEN the team is howards....lol

K.I.G.

Total Comments (13362)

August 11, 2012 09:54 AM ET

Report Abuse | QUOTE

Such a selfless guy, that Kobe.

joec

Total Comments (592)

Comment #4 has been removed

Comment #5 has been removed

August 11, 2012 10:01 AM ET

Report Abuse | QUOTE

QUOTE(#4):

Originally posted 09:56 AM ET 08.11 by MMAFan

Lakers are set for the next 7 years now.

I saw some of their salary cap figures for the next few years....not looking bright.

K.I.G.

Total Comments (13362)

Comment #7 has been removed

Comment #8 has been removed

Comment #9 has been removed

Comment #10 has been removed

August 11, 2012 10:16 AM ET

Report Abuse | QUOTE

I am an avid Lakers hater.........I however do admire and respect that organization for its impeccable track record in gaining elite talent, (Mikan, Wilt, West, Baylor, Kareem, Magic, Worthy, Shaq, Kobe, and now Howard) this record of talent along with its historic success speaks volumes within itself. Great job Lakers. I have said all along the Lakers, Celtics, Spurs and of late, the Heat magnify with teams should strive to become as professional organizations in this area, gaining talent, that is. I am thrilled to death that Howard is a Laker now. Kobe will teach him desire, respect, proper work ethic and complete professionalism. He, Kobe that is, doesn't have to teach him sefl centeredness, egoism and the sort......they both have this characteristic down pat. But I like this move for Howard career.....now Howard can go about the business of becoming both legend and champion.......bank on it, he'll aquire them both.......haters no less that is!

All about the Apple

Total Comments (1690)

Comment #12 has been removed

August 11, 2012 10:19 AM ET

Report Abuse | QUOTE

QUOTE(#7):

Originally posted 10:11 AM ET 08.11 by SD n' LA

Well he piggy backed on Shaq for his first 3 Titles,2010 he piggy backed on Gasol and Artest in Game 6-7(Laker Fans of course will ignore the unclutch Mamba going 7-24 in Game 7 LOL) and now if they do win another title he will piggyback on Howard....Kobe is a top 10 player ever but a Jordan he will never be...not even close

This 100% accurate..........and its really an insult to compare him to Mike, another one I disliked, although I respected his game unmatched!

All about the Apple

Total Comments (1690)

Comment #14 has been removed

August 11, 2012 10:37 AM ET

Report Abuse | QUOTE

QUOTE(#2):

Originally posted 09:53 AM ET 08.11 by K.I.G.

I think the keywords in there are "well after im gone".Also he says he will be around another 2 or 3 years THEN the team is howards....lol

You're right (read with sarcasm) Kobe should say the team is Dwight's all the pressure is on him now. I am a second fiddle now.