[ropeParticipant]

 Do you think he is going to make it through the season?  I don’t mean due to injury, but due to the fact that he is unhappy with his play and doesn’t want to go out struggling.

What do you think?  Do you think he will pull the cord on it this year?  I know it is a hard decision.  One of the greats ever, but time and injury may finally have caught up.

 

 

[RUDEBOY_Participant]

[RUDEBOY_Participant]

i mentioned it on the tim duncan thread..that when kobe isnt scoring he’s no use to the lakers..unlike duncan who is still contributing at this stage of his career becuz he effect the game in so many areas.kobe needs to adjust his game.

i hope when he was given that day off from practice ,he viewed game film..and realized that he’s no longer the superstar that can outscore the other team by himself..and reinvent his game,try becoming a willing passer(thats what teammates are for).several times this yr he’s had guys wide open and he jacks up bad shots.maybe take advantage of his post game..for a guard he has a great post game.

coach scott is part of the blame,he’s no longer that coach we saw in no & nj..his defensive & offensive schemes suck…if the lakers are playing like this by mid-december scott could be gone….

  

 

 

[RUDEBOY_Participant]

i mentioned it on the tim duncan thread..that when kobe isnt scoring he’s no use to the lakers..unlike duncan who is still contributing at this stage of his career becuz he effect the game in so many areas.kobe needs to adjust his game.

i hope when he was given that day off from practice ,he viewed game film..and realized that he’s no longer the superstar that can outscore the other team by himself..and reinvent his game,try becoming a willing passer(thats what teammates are for).several times this yr he’s had guys wide open and he jacks up bad shots.maybe take advantage of his post game..for a guard he has a great post game.

coach scott is part of the blame,he’s no longer that coach we saw in no & nj..his defensive & offensive schemes suck…if the lakers are playing like this by mid-december scott could be gone….

  

 

 

[RUDEBOY_Participant]

[SlickBouncePassParticipant]

and get injured….

Their bodies become stiff (joint arthritis, wear and tear).

Duncan is AMAZING in his ability to still remain youthful and avoid injury even though he bangs as a bigman.

Dirk is like a sloth, not that he was ever a great athlete.

Kobe is definitely stiff.  Where is his midrange game and those beautiful passes he used to make.  Thats what he needs to do.  Become a playmaker, not just a 3 point shooter on the wing who also can’t play defense.

 

Now, you are starting to see it in both Carmelo (who looks a little doughy), and even Lebron who is a freak athlete.  I just wonder if Lebron can still do it every game now, he is obviously still super explosive, but Westbrook is the most awesome force in the game now, maybe Blake and Deandre Jordan too.

Its sad but it happens.  It was real sad to see AI return to earth to quickly.  He was a beast.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

[SlickBouncePassParticipant]

and get injured….

Their bodies become stiff (joint arthritis, wear and tear).

Duncan is AMAZING in his ability to still remain youthful and avoid injury even though he bangs as a bigman.

Dirk is like a sloth, not that he was ever a great athlete.

Kobe is definitely stiff.  Where is his midrange game and those beautiful passes he used to make.  Thats what he needs to do.  Become a playmaker, not just a 3 point shooter on the wing who also can’t play defense.

 

Now, you are starting to see it in both Carmelo (who looks a little doughy), and even Lebron who is a freak athlete.  I just wonder if Lebron can still do it every game now, he is obviously still super explosive, but Westbrook is the most awesome force in the game now, maybe Blake and Deandre Jordan too.

Its sad but it happens.  It was real sad to see AI return to earth to quickly.  He was a beast.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

[NBAjunkie81Participant]

 of the human form begin to slow down… I remember watching Jordan in Washington & he would still win games b/c his mind was so far advanced on a basketball court but then one game in Phila he took a challenge from a young Allen Iverson to guard him one V one… & of course Jordan’s pride took over… back then the game was All about isolation & the Iverson’s just torched Jordan – made him look silly… It’s hard pill to swallow when a young upstart makes a legend look human… 

But it happens to us all & it’s happening to Kobe now & it feels like he is looking for a way to "land the plane" gracefully but it doesn’t look like that is going to happend (it rarely does)…. My hope is that Kobe steps back & allows the young back court of Russell & Clarkson to emerge & Kobe gracefully walks off into the sunset…

 

[NBAjunkie81Participant]

 of the human form begin to slow down… I remember watching Jordan in Washington & he would still win games b/c his mind was so far advanced on a basketball court but then one game in Phila he took a challenge from a young Allen Iverson to guard him one V one… & of course Jordan’s pride took over… back then the game was All about isolation & the Iverson’s just torched Jordan – made him look silly… It’s hard pill to swallow when a young upstart makes a legend look human… 

But it happens to us all & it’s happening to Kobe now & it feels like he is looking for a way to "land the plane" gracefully but it doesn’t look like that is going to happend (it rarely does)…. My hope is that Kobe steps back & allows the young back court of Russell & Clarkson to emerge & Kobe gracefully walks off into the sunset…

 

[Rip256]

 Lol what did anyone expect.

Kobe was cooked the second that achilles snapped. 

That injury is the death knock for an nba player, worse than any torn knee ligament or broken leg.

I was amazed people still believed in him.

I knew that achilles injury was it. Im just sad Kobe and the Lakers didnt.

 

 

 

 

[Rip256]

 Lol what did anyone expect.

Kobe was cooked the second that achilles snapped. 

That injury is the death knock for an nba player, worse than any torn knee ligament or broken leg.

I was amazed people still believed in him.

I knew that achilles injury was it. Im just sad Kobe and the Lakers didnt.

 

 

 

 

[sheltwon3Participant]

 Kobe will be alright, Kobe has to adjust to all the young players and not having the ball in his hand much.  The injury he had early set him back and it will take a while for him to get his legs but the thing is Kobe is missing good shots.  Those shots even an elder person can make if no is on them.  Kobe provides a lot to the game still and I think a lot of people are trying push his demise.  It make take Kobe some time to adjust to what he can and can’t do now.  That can be tough especially when playing with younger players that need touches.

[sheltwon3Participant]

 Kobe will be alright, Kobe has to adjust to all the young players and not having the ball in his hand much.  The injury he had early set him back and it will take a while for him to get his legs but the thing is Kobe is missing good shots.  Those shots even an elder person can make if no is on them.  Kobe provides a lot to the game still and I think a lot of people are trying push his demise.  It make take Kobe some time to adjust to what he can and can’t do now.  That can be tough especially when playing with younger players that need touches.

[IndianaBasketballParticipant]

I can’t see Kobe calling it quits like that lol. That’s just not him. 

It’s only been three games. The dude wasn’t able to shoot for months. His career is definitely close to an end, but I think he’ll shake some of the rust off. Hopefully (doubtful), he realizes his limitations right now and adjusts his game. 

 

 

[IndianaBasketballParticipant]

I can’t see Kobe calling it quits like that lol. That’s just not him. 

It’s only been three games. The dude wasn’t able to shoot for months. His career is definitely close to an end, but I think he’ll shake some of the rust off. Hopefully (doubtful), he realizes his limitations right now and adjusts his game. 

 

 

[he_gets_bucketsParticipant]

 The issue is he’s forcing too many contested outaide looks – way too many threes. If he slows down, stops jacking 3s and long 2s and starts passing the ball to shooters to open up lanes for him to get to the rim, his team mates will be better, his efficiency will be better, and maybe he’ll have an extra year in him

[he_gets_bucketsParticipant]

 The issue is he’s forcing too many contested outaide looks – way too many threes. If he slows down, stops jacking 3s and long 2s and starts passing the ball to shooters to open up lanes for him to get to the rim, his team mates will be better, his efficiency will be better, and maybe he’ll have an extra year in him

[markfitz14Participant]

Nobody would have blamed him if he retiered this year. Just blame it on injuries. Now he will  have a sad and slow year. By what we expect of him at least. He will still score alor becuase he will shot it 2o times a game.

Not to mention it would have been good for the Lakers franchise to tank and have a better chance at keeping there pick. 

  

[markfitz14Participant]

Nobody would have blamed him if he retiered this year. Just blame it on injuries. Now he will  have a sad and slow year. By what we expect of him at least. He will still score alor becuase he will shot it 2o times a game.

Not to mention it would have been good for the Lakers franchise to tank and have a better chance at keeping there pick. 

  

[Rip256]

 Im laughing at these people who still think Kobe can turn it around.

Sticking with their man til the bitter end.

 

[Rip256]

 Im laughing at these people who still think Kobe can turn it around.

Sticking with their man til the bitter end.

 

[he_gets_bucketsParticipant]

 I don’t think he’ll turn into an All NBA player or anything- but I certainly think he can turn it around to some degree if he stops jacking 8 3s a game. I think if he focuses on moving the ball and just getting looks at the rim, he can average 15 a game on 45% from the field- though I think that is quite unattainable due to his attitude. Again, the issue is him forcing outside shots.

[he_gets_bucketsParticipant]

 I don’t think he’ll turn into an All NBA player or anything- but I certainly think he can turn it around to some degree if he stops jacking 8 3s a game. I think if he focuses on moving the ball and just getting looks at the rim, he can average 15 a game on 45% from the field- though I think that is quite unattainable due to his attitude. Again, the issue is him forcing outside shots.

[MopgrassParticipant]

 It’s amazing to hear him say that he has sucked and that he needs to defer to younger players more. Kobe said that. Kobe. That’s an "improvement," albeit a sad one. It looked like he was deferring in preseason. 

Kobe wouldn’t quit mid-year. Sometimes respectable veterans get injured and tell their fans and themselves they’re too hurt to go on… when they’re not. It’s a peaceful way to bow out without admitting you can’t go on. That or a legit injury is the only way he goes out mid year.

[MopgrassParticipant]

 It’s amazing to hear him say that he has sucked and that he needs to defer to younger players more. Kobe said that. Kobe. That’s an "improvement," albeit a sad one. It looked like he was deferring in preseason. 

Kobe wouldn’t quit mid-year. Sometimes respectable veterans get injured and tell their fans and themselves they’re too hurt to go on… when they’re not. It’s a peaceful way to bow out without admitting you can’t go on. That or a legit injury is the only way he goes out mid year.

[Dazzling Dunks and Basketball BloopersParticipant]

Before he was injured last season Kobe really seemed to settle into and embrace more of a facilator role and he was actually pretty effective in that role for a short period of time. He had several double figure assist games and was forcing shots much less than he was earlier in the year. I was hoping that the Kobe we would see this year would be closer to that version of Kobe. However, so far I have been extremely disappointed and it looks like he has gone back to volume shooting and high degree of difficulty shots.

Kobe is an incredible passer and has an extremely high bball iq. It’s always been an extremely underrated aspect of his game if you ask me.  The Lakers don’t need him handling the ball all the time with Clarkson and Russell in the backcourt, but he can still draw double teams and create open looks for teammates when he catches the ball in his sweet spots. Right now he just doesn’t have the quickness anymore to consistently beat his man off the dribble but he is still crafty enough and respected enough as a scorer to draw double teams. Playing iso ball and forcing contested jumpers is just not going to work for him anymore. He needs to change his approach or its gonna be a long, ugly season.

 

 

 

[Dazzling Dunks and Basketball BloopersParticipant]

Before he was injured last season Kobe really seemed to settle into and embrace more of a facilator role and he was actually pretty effective in that role for a short period of time. He had several double figure assist games and was forcing shots much less than he was earlier in the year. I was hoping that the Kobe we would see this year would be closer to that version of Kobe. However, so far I have been extremely disappointed and it looks like he has gone back to volume shooting and high degree of difficulty shots.

Kobe is an incredible passer and has an extremely high bball iq. It’s always been an extremely underrated aspect of his game if you ask me.  The Lakers don’t need him handling the ball all the time with Clarkson and Russell in the backcourt, but he can still draw double teams and create open looks for teammates when he catches the ball in his sweet spots. Right now he just doesn’t have the quickness anymore to consistently beat his man off the dribble but he is still crafty enough and respected enough as a scorer to draw double teams. Playing iso ball and forcing contested jumpers is just not going to work for him anymore. He needs to change his approach or its gonna be a long, ugly season.

 

 

 

[T Rex]

 "Kobe’s still a top 20 player, he just needs to adjust. Chill."

– D’Angelo R.

 

 

 

[T Rex]

 "Kobe’s still a top 20 player, he just needs to adjust. Chill."

– D’Angelo R.

 

 

 

[AdamJCallejaParticipant]

 Do you guys think Kobe can transform his game into Ginobli’s style of play?

[Mr. HookShotParticipant]

Or Paul Pierce for that matter; veteran presence, being part of a system, sort of role-player who can provide buckets when the pressure is highest

[Mr. HookShotParticipant]

Or Paul Pierce for that matter; veteran presence, being part of a system, sort of role-player who can provide buckets when the pressure is highest

[AdamJCallejaParticipant]

 Do you guys think Kobe can transform his game into Ginobli’s style of play?

[sitlbitoParticipant]

 It’s still impressive to me(and that says a lot about his greatness) how people ALWAYS say "he’s gonna be the real Kobe…." even Scott said that. NO!!!!! Unfortunately no! He’s never gonna be the real Kobe again,there’s no evidence that he will. But it’s Kobe and his competitive nature has rubbed off on his fans,who think he can still do it. He can’t.

[sitlbitoParticipant]

 It’s still impressive to me(and that says a lot about his greatness) how people ALWAYS say "he’s gonna be the real Kobe…." even Scott said that. NO!!!!! Unfortunately no! He’s never gonna be the real Kobe again,there’s no evidence that he will. But it’s Kobe and his competitive nature has rubbed off on his fans,who think he can still do it. He can’t.

[ph90702]

Before last night, Kobe Bryant was still a top fifteen player when I last watched him play.  I didn’t realize how far he has fallen.  He was shitting, I mean shooting, bricks.

[ph90702]

Before last night, Kobe Bryant was still a top fifteen player when I last watched him play.  I didn’t realize how far he has fallen.  He was shitting, I mean shooting, bricks.

[Magic JordanParticipant]

 Trust me, I loved Kobe as much as the next Lakers fan… for awhile.  Prior to this year, and even last year I was ready for him to retire so the Lakers can move on.  

He will never be the same, he will never be a top 20 player, he will never be Manu and he will never alter his game so that he has a positive impact on the floor.  Mostly because, he can’t defend anymore and he can’t space the floor.  It may not be for a lack of trying, even though I personally think it is, but he won’t have a positive impact on the game again.  

Kobe has always been about winning sure, but more importantly it always seemed that he was about winning HIS way.  Do people really think he is going to change in the twilight of his career while he is an angry grumpy player.  No way.  

His play isn’t sad to me, what’s sad to me is his failure until recently to acknowledge his decline.  What’s even sadder to me is the enabler that is Byron Scott.  

People like LLPerez will say I am not a true Laker fan, and have routinely blasted me for saying anything bad about Kobe, or say that I am ungrateful for what he has contributed and yadayada, but that’s bull.  I am just a fan who wants to see the Lakers begin to right the ship and has seen the writing on the wall for about 3 years now.  That does not involve Kobe in any way shape or form.

If Kobe started averaging 20 a game tomorrow, you would have people praising him when in reality that does nothing for anybody but Kobe and his die hards.  The only purpose of this season should be to give Russell, Clarkson and Randle as many reps as humanly possible.  The purpose would have been to try to find diamonds in the rough like Robert Upshaw, who instead they chose to keep Robert Sacre as… which some Laker fans defend because Upshaw "can’t contribute".  They make these types of decisions to make Kobe happy.

When Kobe retires the weight of the world should be lifted off the organization and they can begin a true rebuild.  Not this half ass one that we are attempting right now.

Silver lining, Byron Scott and Kobe could will us to our best odds at keeping the top 3 pick.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Magic JordanParticipant]

 Trust me, I loved Kobe as much as the next Lakers fan… for awhile.  Prior to this year, and even last year I was ready for him to retire so the Lakers can move on.  

He will never be the same, he will never be a top 20 player, he will never be Manu and he will never alter his game so that he has a positive impact on the floor.  Mostly because, he can’t defend anymore and he can’t space the floor.  It may not be for a lack of trying, even though I personally think it is, but he won’t have a positive impact on the game again.  

Kobe has always been about winning sure, but more importantly it always seemed that he was about winning HIS way.  Do people really think he is going to change in the twilight of his career while he is an angry grumpy player.  No way.  

His play isn’t sad to me, what’s sad to me is his failure until recently to acknowledge his decline.  What’s even sadder to me is the enabler that is Byron Scott.  

People like LLPerez will say I am not a true Laker fan, and have routinely blasted me for saying anything bad about Kobe, or say that I am ungrateful for what he has contributed and yadayada, but that’s bull.  I am just a fan who wants to see the Lakers begin to right the ship and has seen the writing on the wall for about 3 years now.  That does not involve Kobe in any way shape or form.

If Kobe started averaging 20 a game tomorrow, you would have people praising him when in reality that does nothing for anybody but Kobe and his die hards.  The only purpose of this season should be to give Russell, Clarkson and Randle as many reps as humanly possible.  The purpose would have been to try to find diamonds in the rough like Robert Upshaw, who instead they chose to keep Robert Sacre as… which some Laker fans defend because Upshaw "can’t contribute".  They make these types of decisions to make Kobe happy.

When Kobe retires the weight of the world should be lifted off the organization and they can begin a true rebuild.  Not this half ass one that we are attempting right now.

Silver lining, Byron Scott and Kobe could will us to our best odds at keeping the top 3 pick.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[llperez]

 at magic, i blasted you becasue you werent just rationaly criticizing kobe. If you ever just said its in the lakers best interest this or that then i would have never said a word. I blasted you becasue you were throwing fire at kobe insulting him. im not even gonna go back and find the comments but you were straight up talking about him like you were named trex. And keep in mind you were the one who started with all the ":you are not a true laker fan" bs tossing it at me. Ive never been anything but a true laker fan and you wont point out one single post to suggest otherwise.

now as for kobe, yup he looks done. Still early and we have seen become more passive each game trying to set the other guys up and not demanding the ball as much so its clear he isnt trying to get in th eway of anyones development. He will retire after this season but in the meantime the fans should hope that he improves and helps the lakers win some games not be all negative and wish him gone now.

 

[llperez]

 at magic, i blasted you becasue you werent just rationaly criticizing kobe. If you ever just said its in the lakers best interest this or that then i would have never said a word. I blasted you becasue you were throwing fire at kobe insulting him. im not even gonna go back and find the comments but you were straight up talking about him like you were named trex. And keep in mind you were the one who started with all the ":you are not a true laker fan" bs tossing it at me. Ive never been anything but a true laker fan and you wont point out one single post to suggest otherwise.

now as for kobe, yup he looks done. Still early and we have seen become more passive each game trying to set the other guys up and not demanding the ball as much so its clear he isnt trying to get in th eway of anyones development. He will retire after this season but in the meantime the fans should hope that he improves and helps the lakers win some games not be all negative and wish him gone now.

 

[Magic JordanParticipant]

 I’m always rational amigo, and logical to a fault.  My cristicisms of Kobe were the same then as they are now.  Just the vast majority of Laker fans weren’t willing to admit it.  I also placed heavy emphasis on the difference between Laker fans and Kobe fans…  Sometimes telling the truth ends up being insults… oh well.  

You are a true Lakers fan, as am I.  Surely you would admit there are "Kobe fans".  

 He is using over 30% of the Lakers possessions and prior to last game was averaging 12 3 point attempts a game.  If that isn’t getting in the way of the young Lakers development I don’t know what is.

[Magic JordanParticipant]

 I’m always rational amigo, and logical to a fault.  My cristicisms of Kobe were the same then as they are now.  Just the vast majority of Laker fans weren’t willing to admit it.  I also placed heavy emphasis on the difference between Laker fans and Kobe fans…  Sometimes telling the truth ends up being insults… oh well.  

You are a true Lakers fan, as am I.  Surely you would admit there are "Kobe fans".  

 He is using over 30% of the Lakers possessions and prior to last game was averaging 12 3 point attempts a game.  If that isn’t getting in the way of the young Lakers development I don’t know what is.

[bickbackbeboolParticipant]

 I loved watching Kobe, but sadly the dude cant get over himself. Its all about me me me still. He may try to hide it, but it is still that way. And like someone said before me, its terrible how hes holding back the development of the young lakers team. It truly speaks to his selfishness honestly.

There are things you can do when you’re younger. Things that may not nessesarily be the best kind of quality, but youre able to get away with it on your talent and gifts. Selfishess is something that comes to mind. Kobe was able to slide by with a me first attitude because his sheer talent almost eclipsed his flaws.

But just like every old man whos too caught up in the ego of his glory days, Kobe wont take a graceful bow, because he still wants it to be about him. It’s a universal truth that catches up with you eventually and will destroy things around you if you dont approach it in the appropriate fashion. 

 And I get it, he hasnt had a real chance to play after such a terrible injury. I feel like the reason hes still hanging on is because he feels like he truly hasnt had a real chance to prove himself again. But using these games as a means to try and revive your game is once again…selfish. 

 

 

 

[bickbackbeboolParticipant]

 I loved watching Kobe, but sadly the dude cant get over himself. Its all about me me me still. He may try to hide it, but it is still that way. And like someone said before me, its terrible how hes holding back the development of the young lakers team. It truly speaks to his selfishness honestly.

There are things you can do when you’re younger. Things that may not nessesarily be the best kind of quality, but youre able to get away with it on your talent and gifts. Selfishess is something that comes to mind. Kobe was able to slide by with a me first attitude because his sheer talent almost eclipsed his flaws.

But just like every old man whos too caught up in the ego of his glory days, Kobe wont take a graceful bow, because he still wants it to be about him. It’s a universal truth that catches up with you eventually and will destroy things around you if you dont approach it in the appropriate fashion. 

 And I get it, he hasnt had a real chance to play after such a terrible injury. I feel like the reason hes still hanging on is because he feels like he truly hasnt had a real chance to prove himself again. But using these games as a means to try and revive your game is once again…selfish. 

 

 

 

[Author]

Posts