Oh, how far the mighty can fall due to selfishness. After recently reading an article about Kobe Bryant, (ESPN the Magazine), I can no longer ignore the Mamba’s problems. He’s out of control because he’s trying to hold on to it, and While the sports world spends it’s time defending Bryant, I believe the root of the Lakers problems is found in No. 24 himself.
The article ESPN wrote focused in on this theory by putting forth anonymous sources who vigorously claimed that Kobe is a cancer to basketball-a cancer that no one wants to catch. Indeed, behind the scenes of L.A. glory, people close to the Lakers organization say that Kobe is destroying the dynasty via his arrogance. Even worse, there are also indications that “the man who wrestles bears” can’t get along with anyone because he’s obsessed with holding onto the dominant position in the Show time franchise. Is this true? Common sense says it is.
If you look at Kobe’s history it’s easy to see how he got into the position he’s in today. For years, Kobe has fought vindictive off court battles with Shaq, Andrew Bynum, and even Pau Gasol. These issues can’t be ignored, for they tell a shocking story of how #24 plays his snake games, while cleverly avoiding any blame. Yes, those guys had their faults, but Kobe was the one who artfully crafted each of his foes into his enemies by making it look as if he were always a victim of their “jealousy.” However, time is a great test for buried truths.
Is it a mere coincidence that no one in the free agency market wants to play with the aging superstar? Did the Dwight Howard episode finally put the nail in the Bryant brand coffin? I think it did. I think Kobe has created his own situation, and I don’t buy the “Woe is me, I have no talent around me”-story. Sure, he can shoot, score points and play defense with best, even at 36, but he also has become a liability to the very people who gave him that status in the first place.
Selfishness is behind the fall of Kobe Bryant. If we open our eyes past the flash of high scoring, and top ten highlights, we can clearly see the fruits of a selfish player dying in an unselfish league. Don’t get me wrong, I think Kobe Bryant is an elite player in the NBA, maybe one of the best ever, but, he’s also a loser in his attitude.
“One thing you gotta know about me is I have absolutely no filter. I have no problem saying what the hell I think of someone.”
Kobe Bryant
-Jacob M. Carter
