Kobe Bryant Discussion: Mamba Out!

welp today could be a big day in regards to how kobe is remembered in terms of all time rankings.

not that i think lebron should ever be ranked higher than kobe, but a win by the "king" tonight will give his supporters that much more ammo.

I know I'm not the only one who feels like this, c'mon Warriors do it for Kobe!!!

 

I was onboard with Kobe as soon as I saw him dunk on Ben Wallace in Vegas. I had the same feeling with Eddie Jones prior to Kobe. Surprised EJ didn't have a better career though it was pretty good.

 

Makes me think about how well Kobe could have defended himself.

 

They would've dropped 40 on each other, but it wouldn't been the hardest earned 40 of all time.

 

Kobe was here last night in the Philippines. Always a box office hit even in retirement.

 

been my comp background for over a year now...def one of my favorites

 

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I miss him already...

 

So do I bro. I've already created like five Kobe mixes just in the last month. Felt like crying in all of them. Kobe won't ever be forgotten. His presence, his leadership, his commitment, all the incredible and dazzling plays and performances, putting this Lakers team on his back, him always wanting to get better and better and stronger and becoming a better leader and wanting to win more and more.

Of course Kobe bringing those five championships. Even though I only vaguely remember the three peat as I was pretty young I vividly remember those last two and those were the two best years for me as a sports fan. It was because of Kobe. He was absolutely sensational in those two seasons especially when it mattered most.

Still having done my homework I'm able to appreciate the first three as well. His performances against San Antonio in those playoffs back in the early 2000's, had that huge shot against Indiana in the Finals when Shaq fouled out, was big in both Game 7's we played in the West Finals against the Blazers and Queens.

Kobe and Shaq carried us like dominant stars are supposed too. Kobe was our closer without a doubt. That's why it doesn't make sense why he doesn't get more credit for those first three championships. He made it impossible to keen in on Shaq and obviously Shaq's free throw shooting made it hard to go to him.

In 2009 and 2010 he was mesmerizing. Against Denver he had multiple 40 point games. Of course the one that sticks out was Game 3. Huge game, big turning point, we were down double digits at one point and Kobe willed us back. Had that huge shot against JR Smith I believe it was and we took control of that series.

Against the Magic he had huge opening statement performance when Kobe dropped 40 on them. Hard to believe it was his only 40 point performance in the Finals, but he really didn't need too and basically had 40 against Boston in Game 5 in 2010. Had that great dish when he drew the defense and found Pau for the and one layup. Hit a couple of big shots in Game 4. Of course he set up Fish on that game clinching three. In Game 5 Kobe really started off strong then did a good job setting up Ariza and Fisher. Then he really put his foot on their throats when we had the lead and the rest was history.

In 2010 it was a tough start to OKC, but Kobe drained his knee and then took off. Defense was huge against Westbrook because Fisher couldn't guard him. Phenomal against Utah and Phoenix. Absolutely killed the Suns down the stretch. Double teamed, great defender in Grant Hill all over him and it didn't matter. Kobe made every big shot. I remember Barkley saying the shots he hit were insane and was great defense. He was right. That's why Kobe is the best.

Kobe's finest moment was no doubt against the C Bags. Kobe dropped 30 in Game 1 and while he struggled in Game 3 hit a couple of big shots. Was terrific in the next two and just didn't enough help from Drew, Pau, LO, Ron and Fish. Game 6 he once again set the tone. Came out firing. Kobe wasn't gonna let us lose against the C Bags. Game 7 was a huge struggle for Kobe, but he played outstanding defense on Goblin and Ninja Turtle. He made a huge assist to Ron for the big shot. Made a couple of big shots finally himself. Hung in there and got to the foul line. Trusted Pau and he delivered. The rest was history.

After the 2010 championship Kobe definitely started to decline a little bit, but because of his immense skill was still near the top of the league. Still one of the most lethal scorers, still when he needed to be a solid defender. He did as good a job as he could when asked to guard Westbrook and Durant in 2012.

In 2013 Kobe had as good and effecient a season as he ever had. His jump shot was silkly smooth, he was as spry as he had been in recent seasons, getting to the line, still doing the job defensively not all the time, but still our best perimeter defender. Guarding guys like Kyrie Irving. Had a ridiculous stretch where he put us on his back and carried us to the postseason. It was just too much for him. As it would be anyone and that Achilles tore.

It's dissapointing how Kobe's career ended, but in the end it all worked out. He got his retirement tour, had one of the greatest performances you'll ever see in any game, we got our young core and Kobe got to retire somewhat healthy and still had a number of flash back performances.

Ultimately Kobe always said he wanted the tank to be empty before he hung it up and that's exactly what transpired. Kobe gave us everything and then some. I'll always be grateful. I had the ultimate respect for that man. Love ya Mamba.