Kobe Bryant Discussion: Mamba Out!

Great article indeed, but it was tough. Knowing the train wreck that was going to happen while reading.

 

I on the other hand would like to see 24 make his last three shots at the close of the game then walk out to rapturous applause.

 

Damn, that was a fantastic read, best I've read from Baxter Holmes. I don't think we've ever gotten so much insight into what really went down and led to that injury that ended the real Kobe. It's sad in hindsight that nobody could save him from himself, but he was right, we had to make the playoffs that year. It's just a shame the team couldn't play better earlier on so it didn't have to come down to a miracle Kobe run that ran him into the ground to make those playoffs.

 

I get a little emotional just reading the article and the achilles part. The Stonecutter Poem is chilling and how perfectly it relates to Kobe and how he was basically that rock that finally split in two.

 

So Howard pleaded with the coaches to protect 24? 28-12 is quite the accomplishment. Reminded me of the 2011 end of the season run only to result in sweeps during the playoffs.

 

I hope that he will, but I don't think he does

 

The man refused help on his Achilles to and off the court...canning two at the charity stripe in between. Nah, he won't cry. 24 will feel some powerful nostalgia and closure but I doubt he'll be emotional enough to shed tears. To him it will be a celebration and give back the respect to the teammates, organization and fans that stood by him.

Toughest son of a gun I've ever seen lace 'em up.

 

Pau Gasol: heartfelt and direct...

http://www.si.com/nba/2016/04/12/kobe-bryant-pau-gasol-los-angeles-lakers-retirement

 

^^ I love it. I'll always have a soft spot for Gasol, who was becoming one of my all time favorite Lakers until that inexplicable last season with Phil, which I wonder if we'll ever learn more about. That was the end of Gasol the warrior that year. Next year he was traded and for good reason, in my opinion. He had NO-showed for the playoffs and for much of the season as well. His heart wasn't there and I wish I knew why. Phil hinted at something but didn't spill the beans. Said it was a family matter of some sort.

I wanted Kobe and him to go out together. But the trade for CP3 made a lot of sense. All that followed felt forced and uncomfortable. Sadly, I was glad to see him go to Chicago in the end. The championship runs were incredible though. Full on Laker glory. I want Pau's jersey retired in the rafters when he's done.

 

It'd have been nice if Pau could finish his career here, but boy did he let himself slip away those last couple years. I know it was trying and I know it was tough, but his head wasn't in a Laker uniform. It was time for him to go.

I'd love for him to come here for one year when he's about ready to hang it all up. Finish his career here. I hope when it's all done he feels like a Laker more than he did those last two years.

Right now though I hope he goes and signs with Golden State or something and gets another ring or two before he's done.

 

Sad day.

I remember him being drafted. I remember holding my newborn son in my arms as Kobe threw an alley-oop to Shaq to ice game 7 in 2000. I remember waking up at 3 am to watch playoff games when I was in England and being late to work because a game went to OT. I remember tears swelling up in my eyes when he finally got that ring "without Shaq" that everyone said he couldn't get. I remember the 62 and 81 point games. I remember the runs of 50 and 40 point games. I remember the MVP season and willing the team to the Finals. I remember him enduring the Kwame and Smush Parker teammate years. I remember the media hate and the media love. I remember it all and it's gone by too fast.

One more game.

That's all we have left with Kobe. Part of me doesn't want it to end and part of me does.

 

The truth.