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Kobe Bryant Discussion: Mamba Out!

Discussion in 'Lakers Discussion' started by DjBelvedere, Oct 5, 2014.

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Weezy Moderator Staff Member

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Another Ding Piece

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/...bryants-humane-side-finally-revealing-itself#

With End Almost Here, Kobe Bryant's Humane Side Finally Revealing Itself

Kevin Ding, April 12, 2016

OKLAHOMA CITY — It was the last time for me.

Of the 1,397 games Kobe Bryant has started in his career, I've been there in person for maybe 1,250.

Too many to count.

Way too many highlights to remember, frankly.

For that, just like his fans, I give thanks.

All that everyone really needs to give, though, is respect.

To see someone work so hard, with such passion to succeed over such a long period of time at his chosen craft, is a rare pleasure.

People ask all the time (though less often than before, when he was more widely despised and I covered every Lakers game as a beat reporter): "Do you like Kobe?" And the easy way to skirt the question from a journalistic perspective has always been to say unwaveringly: "I have the utmost respect for Kobe."

Bryant played the penultimate game of his 20-year career Monday night, his last one on the road.

Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrookpresented a precious gift book on behalf of the Thunder to Bryant before the game—then crushed him on the court just as relentlessly as he has always schooled those two to behave. With the Thunder up by 42 points midway through the fourth quarter, Westbrook walked toward Durant with a grin—"Hey, K!"—bringing the box-score sheet out for them to share a few laughs.

Durant's postgame explanation for shredding Bryant so viciously in repeated one-on-one third-quarter matchups was, in a very Kobe way, the ultimate sign of respect.

"I tried to destroy him every chance I got," Durant said, "and send him off the right way."

Durant offered some context, harking back to entering the NBA in 2007: "Once I got in the league, he easily became my favorite player." The delineation about getting into the league is important, because before that, Durant said, he was merely "a fan" who didn't understand what Bryant was about.

"All you hear is the hate," Durant said.

Once Durant realized the inner workings of what it took to be that great a player…"My level of respect just raised up 10 notches."

With that, the seeds of a real relationship—one that involves Bryant as both friend and mentor—were planted.

Bryant has mellowed in recent years, with fatherhood being a key component in that evolution, but this farewell season offered up an unmistakably large dose of soft stuff that was previously tucked away.

Bryant said he particularly appreciated Oklahoma City's book of player messages to him, in which Durant wrote much of what you read above, because he wants keepsakes that help jog his memory, "especially very personal things."

I spent some time with Bryant before the game Monday. When Bryant plays his final game Wednesday at Staples Center, I'll be at Oracle Arena, where the Golden State Warriors will likely make NBA history with their record-breaking 73rd regular-season victory. (One Kobe confidante's response when hearing that I'd miss Kobe's last game: "You suck.")

spirit of Bryant's basketball farewell causing respect to spill over into sentiment, allow me to tell some personal tales, too.

I have liked Kobe over the years. Mostly.

He mockingly offered to let me borrow a security guard upon hearing that I'd averted a would-be mugger one night in New Orleans. He came up with the most natural smile I've ever seen on him and excitedly swept my then-eight-month-old daughter out of my arms to hold her without even asking. On the rare occasion that I, not he, was injured, he reached out with well wishes (albeit also mockingly).

By the same token, no one—and I mean no one in my entire life—has breathed quite the sort of long-lasting, profane, venomous fire at me that Bryant did when he was trying to get me to refrain from breaking news of his wedding. It was not the only time he has been angry about something I've written.

But only a fool would be so shortsighted as to dwell on those disagreements. Aside from what a legendary player and fascinating character Bryant has been to cover over the years, I'll just say I've seen too much good.

Observing the Make-A-Wish Foundation meetings he long kept private despite accepting every single request led to two of my favorite articles ever—about sick kids' joy in meeting him and the enduring power of his visits even after the kids had passed.

He was kind at times in his youth—in a more courteous manner. He has been kind most of the time in recent years—in a more generous manner. With children, it has been constant: He has been adept at reaching and warming them with his smile and tone, and he has grown to share that more and more with everyone else.

I'll remember basketball stuff like the look of the inward slope of his back that is the hiccup in his jumper when he gets tired, because it so rarely shows up. And from being around him, I'll remember how he shuffles from side to side when he's so excited he can't stand still, on or off the court.

The humanizing of Bryant that the public has gotten to see this season isn't the bottom line, but it is a growing part of his puzzle.

There were 13 first-quarter points from Bryant on Monday, but seriousness in his game has been rare this season. The Kobe attitude Durant so respects appeared for a bit of the third quarter, even if the typical results from years past didn't follow. Fatigue had set in, and Durant kept beating him, but Bryant just kept asking for more—even ordering Oklahoma City's Steven Adams at one point to give the ball to Durant and get out of the way for Durant to go at Bryant again.

"Shows the type of person, player and competitor he is," Durant said.

Durant and Westbrook loved the idea hatched by the Thunder organization for a gift book with personal, handwritten messages. The Thunder wanted Bryant's final gift from another team to be the most meaningful they could give, and Durant and Westbrook pushed to make sure all the guys participated and gave it their all—which resulted in Nazr Mohammed's flowing, pretty cursive, Adams' sarcasm about not being able to respect Bryant until he comes to visit Adams' native New Zealand and Westbrook's heartfelt message about growing up as an L.A. kid idolizing Bryant.

After Bryant was finally done with the 112-79 defeat, the line of Thunder players, the media session and the usual throng of picture-hungry devotees (which included Oklahoma Sooners star Buddy Hield on this night), he headed down the Chesapeake Energy Arena hallway one last time.

He had already been stopped time and again when he stopped one more time on his own.

wanted to initiate a farewell hug with the usher who has guarded a post near the visitors' locker room year after year.

Marvin Mack is a former high school girls basketball coach—as anonymous as he might seem, his arena name tag actually has "Coach Mack" on it—but after so many players have blown by him so many times, why would he ever expect this player at this time to salute him?

"That was a surprise," Coach Mack said.

Long after Bryant and his entourage had headed into the late night, Coach Mack stood with a silly smile still glued to his face.

That intimidating competitiveness is securely Bryant's legacy.

But there's something to be said for the world seeing a good guy who is saying goodbye.

Click to expand...

Weezy, Apr 12, 2016

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^Bryant instilling that destroy and humiliate mindset in Durant...Westbrook? Not entirely surprising.

gcclaker, Apr 12, 2016

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gcclaker said: ↑

^Bryant instilling that destroy and humiliate mindset in Durant...Westbrook? Not entirely surprising.
Click to expand...

Those two were born to be Lakers even if it never happens.

therealdeal, Apr 12, 2016

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Kenzo said: ↑

Some of you should apologize MDA right about now
Click to expand...

I'm not apologizing to that idiot.

Lakers2015, Apr 12, 2016

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lakerjones said: ↑

^^ 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.
Click to expand...

pau will always be one of my favorite lakers

but im glad he left when he did. he definitely needed a change of scenery and i'm happy he didn't stay in LA to experience the hell that has been the past 2 seasons

i really do want to know what exactly caused his game to slip so noticeably during those '11 playoffs. were those rumours about pau's SO and shannon true? doubt we'll ever know. i'll always remember the 08-10 pau. overcoming the "gasoft" label and playing his heart out during those title runs

really wish he could've ended his career in LA with kobe but like i said, glad he didn't have to be around for all the BS (no pun intended) these last few years

432J, Apr 12, 2016

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therealdeal said: ↑

Those two were born to be Lakers even if it never happens.
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out of all of kobe's foes, i feel durant has the most respect and admiration for kobe

432J, Apr 12, 2016

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therealdeal said: ↑

Those two were born to be Lakers even if it never happens.
Click to expand...

i was hanging out with the fellas last nite and we were watching Timeless Lakers...it was game 5 vs Orlando...the clincher and we were marveling at prime Lamar

one buddy goes, " imagine if you put Kobe's head on Lamar's body? what kind of killer would THAT be?!?!?'

my other buddy goes, " yea, his name would be Kevin Durant"

i really couldn't argue

pound4pound, Apr 12, 2016

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Lakers2015 said: ↑

I'm not apologizing to that idiot.
Click to expand...

sirronstuff, Apr 12, 2016

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Regardless of what you do tomorrow, thank you for everything you have done for me, the Lakers, and basketball Kobe Bean Bryant!

kobecory8, Apr 12, 2016

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The greatest players need the greatest coaches
To guide them and mold them
Sometimes they are even needed
To limit them and hold them

To a reasonable workload
To maximize their talents
For sustainable greatness
And playing with balance

I loved Phil as a coach and leader
Anyway who what or which
But tell me you haven't day dreamed
Of Kobe teamed with Greg Popovich

sirronstuff, Apr 12, 2016

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All the animals took up the cry of ‘Get out, Boxer, get out!’ But the van was already gathering speed and drawing away from them. It was uncertain whether Boxer had understood what Clover had said. But a moment later his face disappeared from the window and there was the sound of a tremendous drumming of hoofs inside the van. He was trying to kick his way out. The time had been when a few kicks from Boxer’s hoofs would have smashed the van to matchwood. But alas! his strength had left him; and in a few moments the sound of drumming hoofs grew fainter and died away.

Goodbye, Kobe. You taught me to love basketball again.

trodgers, Apr 12, 2016

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I remember when Kobe became a Laker. Back then in high school I totally was not into the college scene and NBA prospects and what not. So I really didn't know who he was. I had heard his name in passing from a few friends but that was about it. So when I heard Vlade was dealt to aquire him, I was initially sad about it because I really like Vlade and hoped he would stay a Laker for a long time. But my friend knew what I didn't at the time, it was a very good trade. I was like, eh we'll see. I also remember teasing him that Shaq was going to join up next. Being a huge Shaq fan he vehemently disagreed. Little did we know....
Now, I'm happy to have been able to "see" one of the greatest Lakers play for the entirety of their career. Part of me is sad, but part of me is ready for the next era.

raviator, Apr 12, 2016

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i'm starting to hate that 12-13 season as much as i hate 03-04

432J, Apr 12, 2016

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One of my most indelible memories of 24 will always be during the 2009 Finals when that trio of clowns Chris Rock, David Spade and Adam Sandler tried to distract him while focusing on the game waiting to sub in. Anyone else would have engaged in banter but not 24...oh no he won't. Rock tried hard...Bryant didn't even bother as much as a sideways glance.

gcclaker, Apr 12, 2016

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jbiggs said: ↑

fantastic article detailing the last stretch of games before kobe's Achilles injury...well worth the long read

"The Last True Days of Kobe Bryant"
Click to expand...

What a fantastic read, thanks for posting.

Seeing it all typed out in the manner, the whole way through I just kept saying yup only Kobe would be this way. In the end like most greats, their greatest attribute becomes their downfall.

Kind of brings me back to the Bo Jackson injury. Now while his was a freak injury (not saying achilles isn't), it was the quote he said years later about it. Bo would say well if I just stepped out of bounds instead of fighting for those extra yards it wouldn't of happened, but doing that wasn't who he was.

Kobe after all those years ignoring coaches telling him to get out, ignoring his body, etc truly made him who he was, but in the end it literally led him to breaking.

JLaker17, Apr 12, 2016

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My piece on Kobe and his connection with Lakers fans: http://www.lakersnation.com/kobe-bryant-forever-a-laker/2016/04/12/

Kobe Bryant is about to lace up his high tops for the last time of his storied career. It’s going to be an emotional night, for both Bryant and his legion of fans, who will set out into the unknown of a post-Kobe world.

As the final game of the Los Angeles Lakers season has drawn nearer I’ve heard countless people claim that they will be a wreck when the last ovation descends from the rafters at the Staples Center.

Yet, the vast majority of those shedding tears will have never personally met the man. That doesn’t seem to matter, though. There is still a very real feeling of sadness to Bryant’s exit, one that only speaks to how immense his impact was.

To the average, sometimes rabid Lakers fan, Bryant has been practically family for the past 20 years. Through the magic of television, he has been right there, in our living rooms, during some of the biggest moments of our lives.

We can become so wrapped up in fandom that the separation that the TV screen provides all but disappears. A star player becomes more than that when he’s someone we have grown accustomed to seeing for so long. His presence becomes familiar, and in a way, comforting.

Bryant isn’t dying; he will still appear on television now and again. Still, his retirement feels a bit like a family member or close friend moving away. You know you will still talk from time to time, but it won’t be the same.

The relationship between player and fan, forged long ago, will change.

It is indeed the end, and in the end, you can’t help but think about the beginning. The incredible connection between Bryant and Lakers fans began when he first arrived in Los Angeles as a fresh-faced teenager trying to make the leap from high school to the NBA.

Sunglasses on his head, he announced that he would take his talent to the NBA, flashing a boyish smile at the resulting cheers and applause from the crowd. The Lakers moved a mountain named Vlade to obtain Bryant in the 1996 draft, a thirteenth pick that twelve other teams will forever regret passing on.

It was a different world then, and so much has changed. In 1996 pay phones were necessary and plentiful, clothes were baggy, and the Macarena topped the charts (no really). “Friends” ruled the television. The Twin Towers stood tall. Bill Clinton, saxophone and all, was in the White House. There were roughly 1.3 billion fewer people in the world.

Those good old days may be gone, but they don’t feel so far. Just a blink of an eye, really. Vivid memories leap forward of the people we’ve loved. The ones we lost. The triumphs, tragedies, and everything in between.

In the midst of it all, there was Kobe, naive but talented, donning on the purple and gold. Just as the world around us shifts and turns so too does the NBA, and the Lakers were unknowingly entering a new Golden Age.

As we all know now, Bryant is as special as he is cursed. His single-minded obsession with the game of basketball surely has just as much to do with his incredible success as his God-given physical abilities. Every failure he experienced as a young player taught him a lesson, one that would not need repeating.

It’s that thirst for knowledge, the desire to always improve, that allowed him to push on for 20 years. It’s also part of why Lakers fans treasure him so much.

The summer of ’96 saw the Lakers land Shaquille O’Neal, adding the gargantuan center to an already promising team that featured fan favorites like Nick Van Exel, Eddie Jones, and Cedric Ceballos.

There were plenty of likable, talented players on board for fans to flock to, and they did. Nick “The Quick” had the bravado to make the big plays, Eddie’s smooth, gliding game caused crowds to chant his name, and Ceballos astounded with his ability to do the dirty work.

And of course, Shaq was….well, Shaq.

Fans were excited about the new, promising young Lakers. Championships danced in our heads as we celebrated a new era, but strangely enough it was the 18-year-old kid who truly captivated us. He piqued our interest back then as a rookie and then refused to let it go for the next two decades.

He certainly had the talent to back up the adoration, but there was something else going on, something rarely seen, that truly created the connection between Kobe and the legion of Lakers fans.

It was work.

It’s no secret that life is hard, and success isn’t a given. Sure, there are the fortunate sons out there, but all of us are taught early on that it takes real effort to succeed. Sweat, tears, sometimes blood.

Almost universally, whether you are a prince or pauper, hard work is something to respected. And no one worked harder than Kobe.

Shaq was larger than life, a giant in every sense of the word. His dominance was awe inspiring, but there was always the sense that he could be even more. He played his way into shape during the season and healed on company time. Lakers fans loved him, but it’s hard to relate to a person so physically powerful, so genetically gifted.

Kobe, on the other hand, was certainly an impressive athlete, but what really endeared him to fans was his work ethic. With every new season, he showed up with more tricks in the bag, new wrinkles to his game that he had spent the summer developing.

Rumors of his marathon workout sessions trickled out across Los Angeles, verifying what was already evident on the court. Shaq worked hard, but Kobe was obsessed.

It was a kind of mania that was understood, and above all, respected. Lakers fans live and die with the team, and in Kobe Bryant, they found a player who did the same. A bond formed between city and player, one that only grew stronger over time.

As the years went by and our lives changed, Kobe was constant. The Towers fell, Clinton gave way to Bush and later Obama. Nickleback happened.

A technological revolution took the immense power of the internet, which features the accumulated knowledge of nearly all of human history and put it in our pockets (we mostly use it to look at funny cat videos).

Some people left our lives, others entered. We grew older, as we tend to do.

Still, there was something comforting about knowing that no matter what happened in our personal lives or what was going on in the world, every October the Black Mamba would resurface, ready to lead the Lakers once more.

He was like a force of nature, impossible to stop. Broken fingers, sprained ankles, dodgy knees, none of it seemed to matter. Kobe played the game with such passion that he seemed to be invulnerable to the ailments that afflict us. He shrugged off one injury after another, like an action hero with a bullet to the shoulder.

He was a testament to the power of sheer will, to the strength of the human spirit when one meets challenges head on and without hesitation.

We have all felt that to a degree, that sense of accomplishment when we do something no one thought we could. Watching Kobe Bryant we could relate, but still be amazed. He did the impossible night after night, thanks to his own personal drive.

It was inspiring.

Somewhere along the way, it’s hard to know exactly when, this aloof, sometimes arrogant man managed to become like family to millions.

Poetically, Bryant’s immortality was lost when his Achilles tore in 2013. His indomitable will was no longer enough to keep the years at bay. The conclusion was drawing near.

Now, with the sand in the hourglass nearly out, Lakers fans are preparing for the end of an era. For 20 years we have lived in a world where the only certainties are death, taxes, and Kobe Bryant, but no longer.

Wednesday night, sad though it may be, provides a chance to think about the beginning, and everything the journey between then and now has brought with it. This reflection sharpens our perception and allows us to appreciate the struggle fully to get to where we are today.

Perhaps more importantly, when that final buzzer sounds, there will be an opportunity for a city and its adopted son to share one last moment, and to say thank you, one more time.
Click to expand...

Last edited: Apr 12, 2016

unpossibl1, Apr 12, 2016

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Been waiting for your piece @unpossibl1
Really like the Kobe to fan dynamic you took, been reading too many articles about this player and Kobe or that coach and Kobe.

alam1108, Apr 12, 2016

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alam1108 said: ↑

Been waiting for your piece @unpossibl1
Really like the Kobe to fan dynamic you took, been reading too many articles about this player and Kobe or that coach and Kobe.
Click to expand...

Thanks, yeah I was trying to take a little bit of a different approach. Still can't believe the final game is already here.

unpossibl1, Apr 12, 2016

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Staples Center is going to have 8 and 24 on the court tomorrow night.

VinMillerHearn24, Apr 12, 2016

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VinMillerHearn24 said: ↑

Staples Center is going to have 8 and 24 on the court tomorrow night.

Click to expand...

Wow that's awesome!

Lakers2015, Apr 12, 2016

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