Seeing him struggle now...I miss younger Kobe

[Milbuck]

Trolls aside, anyone else agree?

Seeing him like this..in decent shape for a 36 old coming off severe injuries..but struggling so much..really makes me miss Kobe from the past.

He's a borderline sociopath, narcissist, possible rapist, complete asshole...but god damn could that dude ball back then.

Maybe I'm just wasted and nostalgic..but I really miss watching this dude at his best. Grew up watching him go from an arrogant teenager bricking gamewinners to the best player in the world winning finals MVPs, and now to a shell of himself getting ripped apart like he's a scrub. The dude is the reason I got into basketball

Seeing him these days, it's really bumming me out knowing that we'll never see him do some of the incredible stuff he used to do.

Say what you will about his chucking, about his selfishness, about his asshole personality...absolutely no one in the league today has this dude's competitiveness, intensity, drive. No one has the total skill package he had. No one has the flair, the creativity, the excitement peak Kobe brought on a night to night basis. All controversy aside, this dude was the epitome of box office basketball.

There's been several players better than him even at his best..but it's really depressing to see him being torn apart like this for doing his best to make the best of a shit situation.

Maybe I'm just drunk ranting..but I think we really need to cherish this dude before he's gone. He's not Michael, he's not Magic, he's not Kareem, he's not ______...but he's a legend in his own right and I think we need to appreciate him for what he's done, because he's almost done himself.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRtN0kWGA7k

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_lMX39ASls

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CsaL_BDAeqA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfYGBHi7ya0

http://youtu.be/RyKgaeAoa-g

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jvR1SHEkWXI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJNoFs3G91A

[AirFederer]

1/14 star thread

[ImKobe]

You guys will pay for this...

[pastis]

he is top 20 for sure. even lebron stans have to accept it. :applause:

[Cocaine80s]

Not sure if srs or trolling :coleman:

[AirFederer]

Is Kobe 1 in your top 14?

[Done_And_Done]

I agree. All the trolling and bullshit aside.... You gotta appreciate what this man brought to the game during his tenure as a pro. He's a special dude...

[Milbuck]

Not sure if srs or trolling :coleman:
I'm really not trolling. I really am bummed out seeing him get torn apart like this. One of the most exciting players ever, the dude that got me into basketball..and he's a complete shell of himself right now. Again, maybe I'm just overly nostalgic..but I really do miss watching young Kobe. And I know no matter what I say people are gonna rip on him..which is bullshit imo, considering what he's accomplished.

I feel a similar way about Lebron. For all the shit I might talk about Lebron and his fans, I really do respect the hell out his game and will miss him when he retires.

It's just a shame seeing a great like Kobe ending his career like this.

[Milbuck]

I agree. All the trolling and bullshit aside.... You gotta appreciate what this man brought to the game during his tenure as a pro. He's a special dude...
Yup.

People can hate him all they want..but he is still one of the best to ever play the game, and his legacy is up there with the best of them.

Just wish more people could appreciate him while he's still around..which won't be for long.

[Budadiiii]

Still waiting on that pic.

[Cocaine80s]

I'm really not trolling. I really am bummed out seeing him get torn apart like this. One of the most exciting players ever, the dude that got me into basketball..and he's a complete shell of himself right now. Again, maybe I'm just overly nostalgic..but I really do miss watching young Kobe. And I know no matter what I say people are gonna rip on him..which is bullshit imo, considering what he's accomplished.

I feel a similar way about Lebron. For all the shit I might talk about Lebron and his fans, I really do respect the hell out his game and will miss him when he retires.

It's just a shame seeing a great like Kobe ending his career like this.
oh lol i thought this was sarcastic when i first read it

anyways i feel the same. If i didnt discover ISH i probably wouldnt hate kobe lol

[plowking]

It's basketball, not that big a deal. lol...

Kobe is great, most people know it. You don't need to make an emotional thread just because he had a bad game and you want to look like the voice of reason. He had a bad game, it was funny. Yes, we all liked watching Kobe at his best. He isn't anymore.

[Bandito]

oh lol i thought this was sarcastic when i first read it

anyways i feel the same. If i didnt discover ISH i probably wouldnt hate kobe lol
I feel the same way about Lebron and Chris Paul:roll:

[Nash]

all bs and trolling aside. I absolutely agree with OP. Kobe is a living legend. Outside of this forum, I actually like him. He seems like a good dude whenever I see his appearances off the court. Even though it looks bad right now, up until the injury we were witnessing something very special.

[Dragic4Life]

The Shaq-riding Kobe or the crying to the Suns Kobe?

[YouGotServed]

Nobody misses that arrogant asshole. He's a clown. Why hasn't he retired already?

[La Frescobaldi]

Shaq retired when he realized the only thing left him was to chase Wilt Chamberlain's career points record.

The only reason Bryant is playing is to chase Michael Jordan's career points record.

[DMV2]

Shaq retired when he realized the only thing left him was to chase Wilt Chamberlain's career points record.

The only reason Bryant is playing is to chase Michael Jordan's career points record.
Nah, Shaq was chasing after ring #5. His last two seasons he only played half a season. Getting around 10 PPG on 41 games a season would have taken 5+ more seasons to do it.

[La Frescobaldi]

Nah, Shaq was chasing after ring #5. His last two seasons he only played half a season. Getting around 10 PPG on 41 games a season would have taken 5+ more seasons to do it.


http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2011/6/1/2201287/shaq-retires-shaquille-o-neal-retirement

"He said he was selfish at several points of his career and retired in part to avoid needlessly chasing Wilt Chamberlain on the all-time scoring list. "

edit ~ yeah we ain't even disagreein here... we're talking about two different things really

[Ariza4three]

1/14

[sportjames23]

You guys will pay for this...

:oldlol:

[beastee]

I miss the Kobe who would make 40% of his shots. The one who makes 7% of them is sad.

Seriously though, he was a great player for years, this is getting similar to seeing Jordan's skills diminish on the Wizards. A top talent that cares too much to see it go away. Fly away Kobe....Fly away...

[RicksPlace]

I agree with OP. Kobe is a living legend. Back in the day when I saw the calendar and knew the Mavs were going against the Lakers, I was worried because I knew Kobe would do anything to win the game. He is a chucker, he knows that, everyone knows that. However, I bet anyone would kill to have his style and skill set. He had a strange career. Would've been interesting him playing with the hornets from the beginning. I absolutely hated the guy,depised him, because I knew he was so f..king good and I hated the fact that he was so similar to MJ. But I respect him knowing how hard he has work to get to his level. I can only feel sorry for the fans of this generation SG without any skill set and getting bailed out by the refs. I miss players with the KB,KG,DIRK,TD attitude. No divas, no social media bs ( at least a little) and a professional attitude.

[Dro]

I agree with OP. Kobe is a living legend. Back in the day when I saw the calendar and knew the Mavs were going against the Lakers, I was worried because I knew Kobe would do anything to win the game. He is a chucker, he knows that, everyone knows that. However, I bet anyone would kill to have his style and skill set. He had a strange career. Would've been interesting him playing with the hornets from the beginning. I absolutely hated the guy,depised him, because I knew he was so f..king good and I hated the fact that he was so similar to MJ. But I respect him knowing how hard he has work to get to his level. I can only feel sorry for the fans of this generation SG without any skill set and getting bailed out by the refs. I miss players with the KB,KG,DIRK,TD attitude. No divas, no social media bs ( at least a little) and a professional attitude.
:applause:

[20Four]

Nobody misses that arrogant asshole. He's a clown. Why hasn't he retired already?
http://i.minus.com/iboyw1plBhT3xR.jpg
Calm down kid

[Ariza4three]

http://i.minus.com/iboyw1plBhT3xR.jpg
Calm down kid
Watch it boy. I'll put you in your place.

[20Four]

Watch it boy. I'll put you in your place.
http://i.minus.com/iGKhW6uWXyWRv.gif :roll: :roll: :roll:

[Ariza4three]

http://i.minus.com/iGKhW6uWXyWRv.gif :roll: :roll: :roll:
That's why you didn't say shit. You're scared.

[stalkerforlife]

He had the flu last night, dude. Chill.

Lebron would have sat out.

[Knoe Itawl]

In all honesty, no trolling, I think anyone who loves the game of basketball has to appreciate the skill and talent of Kobe Bryant. I would also by lying if I said that he hasn't done things on the court that have caused me to ooh and ahh.

That being said, I've never liked his game for similar reasons as to why I never liked Allen Iverson's. Sure, they've had highlights that I've enjoyed as someone who appreciates the sport. And sure they are great players. However, it's like Kobe took Jordan's game and somehow bastardized it by being the most selfish player in the history of the sport, all while aping Jordan's game and mannerisms. Kudos to him for being able to have the skill and mental fortitude to pull off even a Bizarro facsimile, but it by and large came across as a cheap imitation. I've seen both of their careers, and the difference beteen the two (especially in the post season) is far wider than what's even acknowledged. Kobe patterned his entire game after Mike, and I just felt like I've seen the orginal that was so much better, so I can't really enjoy this inferior version.

Lastly, I could've gotten past all of that to a certain extent, but I really and truly believe he's a rapist. And believe me, just because I disliked a basketball player doesn't mean I would ascribe something as serious as rape to them because of it. I'm not going to re-litigate the rape trial here, but let's just say if it was Tim Duncan that had been accused (who is one of my favorite players) with the same evidence, I would believe the same of him. It's my opinion, and no stan is going to change it so please save it. At any rate, once that happened, it just cemented that I could never appreciate the guy because that's a line that's crossed. It's just like I can't listen to RKelly anymore because he's a freak pedophile scumbag. I usually try to separate personal lives from celebrities becaue I'm sure most of them are aholes in real life, but once you cross the line into rape, murder, pedophilia, etc. you're forever tainted.

So to close, I'm able to understand and appreciate the skill level and talent of a younger KB, but have never enjoyed watching him play so can't say I miss it.

[Smoke117]

Meh, would rather watch young Wade again.

[Doranku]

I hate Kobe :mad:

fixed

[RidonKs]

he was my favourite player in the league for years. i modeled by jumper after his haha

but as much as i miss the old kobe tearing the league a new one, and rooting for the lakers at the time, i'm enjoying the fall from grace. it's as it should be and i think he'll leave the league somewhat of a pariah. and he won't really care so why should we?

[Killbot]

http://i.minus.com/iboyw1plBhT3xR.jpg
Calm down kid

.....He's posting right here.

[STATUTORY]

Lastly, I could've gotten past all of that to a certain extent, but I really and truly believe he's a rapist. And believe me, just because I disliked a basketball player doesn't mean I would ascribe something as serious as rape to them because of it. I'm not going to re-litigate the rape trial here, but let's just say if it was Tim Duncan that had been accused (who is one of my favorite players) with the same evidence, I would believe the same of him. It's my opinion, and no stan is going to change it so please save it. At any rate, once that happened, it just cemented that I could never appreciate the guy because that's a line that's crossed. It's just like I can't listen to RKelly anymore because he's a freak pedophile scumbag. I usually try to separate personal lives from celebrities becaue I'm sure most of them are aholes in real life, but once you cross the line into rape, murder, pedophilia, etc. you're forever tainted.

you honestly believe kobe raped that white girl?:biggums:

[Knoe Itawl]

you honestly believe kobe raped that white girl?:biggums:

I know that Kobe stans aren't particularly known for being bright, but:


I'm not going to re-litigate the rape trial here,


It's my opinion, and no stan is going to change it so please save it.

[Pointguard]

Hungry, passionate, powerful, mean, determined, skilled, athletic, always finding a way, crafty, explosive, fearless, don't give a fug was the guy for years. Yeah I miss that, and the last few years might have the image of a guy who got a bit too possessive and selfish. Hopefully it won't take away from a guy that stayed pushing the standard for many years.

[SamuraiSWISH]

In all honesty, no trolling, I think anyone who loves the game of basketball has to appreciate the skill and talent of Kobe Bryant. I would also by lying if I said that he hasn't done things on the court that have caused me to ooh and ahh.

That being said, I've never liked his game for similar reasons as to why I never liked Allen Iverson's. Sure, they've had highlights that I've enjoyed as someone who appreciates the sport. And sure they are great players. However, it's like Kobe took Jordan's game and somehow bastardized it by being the most selfish player in the history of the sport, all while aping Jordan's game and mannerisms. Kudos to him for being able to have the skill and mental fortitude to pull off even a Bizarro facsimile, but it by and large came across as a cheap imitation. I've seen both of their careers, and the difference beteen the two (especially in the post season) is far wider than what's even acknowledged. Kobe patterned his entire game after Mike, and I just felt like I've seen the orginal that was so much better, so I can't really enjoy this inferior version.

Lastly, I could've gotten past all of that to a certain extent, but I really and truly believe he's a rapist. And believe me, just because I disliked a basketball player doesn't mean I would ascribe something as serious as rape to them because of it. I'm not going to re-litigate the rape trial here, but let's just say if it was Tim Duncan that had been accused (who is one of my favorite players) with the same evidence, I would believe the same of him. It's my opinion, and no stan is going to change it so please save it. At any rate, once that happened, it just cemented that I could never appreciate the guy because that's a line that's crossed. It's just like I can't listen to RKelly anymore because he's a freak pedophile scumbag. I usually try to separate personal lives from celebrities becaue I'm sure most of them are aholes in real life, but once you cross the line into rape, murder, pedophilia, etc. you're forever tainted.
Didn't she tell R Kelly she was older than her actual age?

She certainly looked older, and was a groupie freak. Who cares if she enjoyed being pissed on? I don't consider 16+ physically mature girls as children. They're in control of their actions completely.

The pedophile you should be talking about is Michael Jackson. He was taking advantage of actual children. Accused multiple times. And he's a legend on a far greater scale. Anyway, what does that have to do with enjoying their talents as it pertains to a craft?

I agree with the basketball related part of your post but anyway, this last bit of your post comes off extremely childish, and judgemental. Ignorant, and even dumb. Nothing was proven. Even if Kobe's entitled demeanor would lend possible rape to some form of credibility. The chick who claimed it was no saint either ... and would have a probable agenda in accusing him of rape.

Virtually all men are thought of as guilty when accused of rape due to stigma, and perception. Women can trap men quite easily in a situation like that if they so desire. Even average joes. You do understand this, right?

[JellyBean]

I hate seeing my boy struggle like this. It is like watching your older brother get beat down by some bullies, and you can not help him.

[Knoe Itawl]

Didn't she tell R Kelly she was older than her actual age?

She certainly looked older, and was a groupie freak. Who cares if she enjoyed being pissed on? I don't consider 16+ physically mature girls as children. They're in control of their actions completely.

The pedophile you should be talking about is Michael Jackson. He was taking advantage of actual children. Accused multiple times. And he's a legend on a far greater scale. Anyway, what does that have to do with enjoying their talents as it pertains to a craft?

I agree with the basketball related part of your post but anyway, this last bit of your post comes off extremely childish, and judgemental. Ignorant, and even dumb. Nothing was proven. Even if Kobe's entitled demeanor would lend possible rape to some form of credibility. The chick who claimed it was no saint either ... and would have a probable agenda in accusing him of rape.

Virtually all men are thought of as guilty when accused of rape due to stigma, and perception. Women can trap men quite easily in a situation like that if they so desire. Even average joes. You do understand this, right?

As far as RKely is concerned, I'm not talking only about that incident, but by a well documented proclivity for underage girls. Take the time to read this if you'd like more details.

http://blogs.villagevoice.com/music/2013/12/read_the_stomac.php

As for Jackson, don't really feel like getting into that whole scenario here, as it has nothing to do with the OP.

Additionally, as far as Kobe's concerned, I'm also not going to get into that, which I made clear in my initial post. This thread isn't about the rape case, it's about whether or not I miss watching him play. Thus, my response mentioned it because it's pertinent to that issue, not because I felt like getting into the whole case (because I have extensively over the years, and again, is not part of this topic). You don't think he did, great. I do. And I have my reasons. But it's my opinion, and I certainly don't need to justify it when I didn't bring it up to debate the situation. If this thread was about the rape case, then I'd feel an obligation to explain my beliefs in detail, with details from the case and all that. But it's about how my opinion on the matter influences my ability to enjoy him on the court. You understand this, right?

As for your last point, I'm well aware that women can cry rape dishonestly, which is why I take every situation on a case by case basis, and don't make some sort of sweeping conclusion that any time a woman accuses a man of rape, she's telling the truth. I fail to see how what I feel about an isolated incident like Bryant does to warrant some lecture about how women can trap men with rape accusations when I never said they couldn't, or even commented on rape accusations in general. Unless you're just trying to be argumentative because you saw it was a Knoe Itawl post, or you're using me to get on a soap box about how men are often wronged by false accusations of rape.

At any ate, the OP asked a question, I gave my opinion and that's that. Whether you agree, or don't is irrelevant to me, as I dont' intend on commenting further on it beyond this response.

[Ca$H]

http://www.insidesocal.com/tomhoffarth/files/2014/10/cover7-248x300.jpg

Someone this handsome needed to rape an ugly white girl who ended up having semen from different men in her underpants. :facepalm

[JohnFreeman]

I liked Frobe

[STATUTORY]

http://www.insidesocal.com/tomhoffarth/files/2014/10/cover7-248x300.jpg

Someone this handsome needed to rape an ugly white girl who ended up having semen from different men in her underpants. :facepalm

didn't you read his disclaimer? he doesn't need to justify his reasons cause he's entitled to his opinion, so we should all respect it. he's a unique little snowflake after all

[IllegalD]

As far as RKely is concerned, I'm not talking only about that incident, but by a well documented proclivity for underage girls. Take the time to read this if you'd like more details.

http://blogs.villagevoice.com/music/2013/12/read_the_stomac.php

As for Jackson, don't really feel like getting into that whole scenario here, as it has nothing to do with the OP.

Additionally, as far as Kobe's concerned, I'm also not going to get into that, which I made clear in my initial post. This thread isn't about the rape case, it's about whether or not I miss watching him play. Thus, my response mentioned it because it's pertinent to that issue, not because I felt like getting into the whole case (because I have extensively over the years, and again, is not part of this topic). You don't think he did, great. I do. And I have my reasons. But it's my opinion, and I certainly don't need to justify it when I didn't bring it up to debate the situation. If this thread was about the rape case, then I'd feel an obligation to explain my beliefs in detail, with details from the case and all that. But it's about how my opinion on the matter influences my ability to enjoy him on the court. You understand this, right?

As for your last point, I'm well aware that women can cry rape dishonestly, which is why I take every situation on a case by case basis, and don't make some sort of sweeping conclusion that any time a woman accuses a man of rape, she's telling the truth. I fail to see how what I feel about an isolated incident like Bryant does to warrant some lecture about how women can trap men with rape accusations when I never said they couldn't, or even commented on rape accusations in general. Unless you're just trying to be argumentative because you saw it was a Knoe Itawl post, or you're using me to get on a soap box about how men are often wronged by false accusations of rape.

At any ate, the OP asked a question, I gave my opinion and that's that. Whether you agree, or don't is irrelevant to me, as I dont' intend on commenting further on it beyond this response.

Please do us all a favor and go back to the hole which you crawled out of. Of course your fa*got ass pops up out of nowhere when Kobe is on the downside of his career to spew your retarded venom. :lol

[Upgrayedd]

I don't feel bad. He's an ass. At this point in his career he should have all-stars/superstars wanting to play for him. But his unwillingness to ever change his game has cost this team Pau Gasol and Dwight Howard in recent years.