Why did Kobe disappear in literally every Finals all seven of them?

[ELITEpower23]

How do you get only one 40 point game in 7 Finals?

In the regular seaaon Kobe was looking like LeBron scoring at will but then he turned into Kevin Love during the Finals.

[DoctorP]

Kobe wasn't that clutch.
but he wasn't shy about shooting it.

[coastalmarker99]

He was excellent in 2002 and 2009 along with 2010 through the first six games of that finals series so he didn't disappear in all of his finals.

[coastalmarker99]

The only finals that Kobe deserves to be destroyed for are the 2004 finals.

As if he had passed the ball to Shaq who was killing big Ben instead of gunning for finals MVP then the Lakers win the title that year.

[red1]

kobe was always just a decoy for the bigmen - aka the real stars of the show



pau and odom did most of the work in 2009 and 2010. pau shut dwight down in single coverage.

[coastalmarker99]

In-game 4 of the 2004 finals


Kobe Bryant was 8-25 from the field during game 4.


Shaq, on the other hand, was 16-21 from the field as he scored 36 points and grabbed 20 rebounds.

[ImKobe]

In-game 4 of the 2004 finals


Kobe Bryant was 8-25 from the field during game 4.


Shaq, on the other hand, was 16-21 from the field as he scored 36 points and grabbed 20 rebounds.

Cool story.

It was a tie game going into the 4th and Kobe goes for 8 pts on 3/6 FG & Shaq goes for 13 pts on 5/6 FG & they still lost the quarter & the game by 8 points because they couldn't defend the P&R.

[coastalmarker99]

In the 2004 finals Shaq was going to win another Finals MVP and Kobe wasn't having it.



Shaq was

13-16 in game 1 for 34 pts

16-21 in game 4 for 36 pts



He was killing the Pistons when he was getting the ball.

[coastalmarker99]

Cool story.

It was a tie game going into the 4th and Kobe goes for 8 pts on 3/6 FG & Shaq goes for 13 pts on 5/6 FG & they still lost the quarter & the game by 8 points because they couldn't defend the P&R.

The media started praising Tayshaun for doing such a great job on defence against Kobe, especially after the first 2 games in LA.


So Kobe took it upon himself to prove people wrong. It was amazing how predictable his game was in that series.


The dude would just lower his head and completely disregard his teammates' existence, trying to prove a point.

The pistons also started publicly biggin up Tay's D... They knew it only made Kobe mad and more selfish.

Shaq shot 60% in that series but was just another spectator in the Kobe show

[tpols]

He played most of them in a slug it out slow era and even after that had to face #1 ranked defenses in the Celtics and Magic, who both shit on Lebron winning as underdogs. Made him quit to form super teams.

Never got to face creampuffs or play in the WWE. Kobe played to put the ball in the hoop from the field. Everyone today is a flopper. KD, AD, bran, Harden, Paul, Trae, Embiid, Giannis... the only stars I can think of who don't base their game around cheating are Jokic, Kawhi, Curry, and maybe Paul George? Can't think of many that just look to score from the field fairly and don't constantly cheat the game.

[coastalmarker99]

Cool story.

It was a tie game going into the 4th and Kobe goes for 8 pts on 3/6 FG & Shaq goes for 13 pts on 5/6 FG & they still lost the quarter & the game by 8 points because they couldn't defend the P&R.

The Lakers would have won that game 4 if they just kept feeding Shaq throughout that game as Detroit couldn't stop him at all.

[coastalmarker99]

Cool story.

It was a tie game going into the 4th and Kobe goes for 8 pts on 3/6 FG & Shaq goes for 13 pts on 5/6 FG & they still lost the quarter & the game by 8 points because they couldn't defend the P&R.

I have watched and rewatched that series many times. You should know better.

While Shaq was never known for his pick and roll defense, Kobe shot them out of those games. No one talks about the Pistons offense in that series because it was its usual self. They won that series by using Kobe's ego as an extra defender on Shaq. This isn't even a debate.

[ELITEpower23]

He played most of them in a slug it out slow era and even after that had to face #1 ranked defenses in the Celtics and Magic, who both shit on Lebron winning as underdogs. Made him quit to form super teams.

Never got to face creampuffs or play in the WWE. Kobe played to put the ball in the hoop from the field. Everyone today is a flopper. KD, AD, bran, Harden, Paul, Trae, Embiid, Giannis... the only stars I can think of who don't base their game around cheating are Jokic, Kawhi, Curry, and maybe Paul George? Can't think of many that just look to score from the field fairly and don't constantly cheat the game.

Terrible point after terrible point. For starters LeBron has doubled Kobe's FMVP total. Also let us know in which Finals did LeBron face creampuffs? Then look at Kobe'a Finals opponents in 2000, 2001, 2002 and on and on

[ImKobe]

I have watched and rewatched that series many times. You should know better.

While Shaq was never known for pick and roll defense, Kobe shot them out of those games. No one talks about the Pistons offense in that series because it was its usual self. They won that series by using Kobe's ego as an extra defender on Shaq. This isn't even a debate.

That's just false. Their worst loss was when Kobe only took 14 shots. He was good in most 4th quarters but they were getting rolled on the defensive side and got 0 production outside of Shaq & Kobe in that series. Malone injury + Shaq being past his prime + Kobe not being 100% is why they lost, not just because of Kobe's shooting %. Look at the rest of the team outside of those 2 players.

[Hey Yo]

The Lakers would have won that game 4 if they just kept feeding Shaq throughout that game as Detroit couldn't stop him at all.

Biggest upset in NBA Finals history

[Hey Yo]

That's just false. Their worst loss was when Kobe only took 14 shots. He was good in most 4th quarters but they were getting rolled on the defensive side and got 0 production outside of Shaq & Kobe in that series. Malone injury + Shaq being past his prime + Kobe not being 100% is why they lost, not just because of Kobe's shooting %. Look at the rest of the team outside of those 2 players.

The media predicted an easy sweep for LA cause they knew Shaq was past his prime and Kobe wasn't 100%??

[tpols]

Terrible point after terrible point. For starters LeBron has doubled Kobe's FMVP total. Also let us know in which Finals did LeBron face creampuffs? Then look at Kobe'a Finals opponents in 2000, 2001, 2002 and on and on

I forgot Dame as legit but he pulls some stunts too. Flopping and ref baiting is an epidemic today.

Steph Curry in 2016 probably played the most beautiful basketball ever. 30+ppg on only 5 FTAs and 70 TS 50/50/90. Straight GOAT no chaser.

[Hey Yo]

I forgot Dame as legit but he pulls some stunts too. Flopping and ref baiting is an epidemic today.

Steph Curry in 2016 probably played the most beautiful basketball ever. 30+ppg on only 5 FTAs and 70 TS 50/50/90. Straight GOAT no chaser.

Curry and his teammates practically begged KD the entire 2016 season to sign with GS that summer.

[Rysio]

Other than 2000 finals were kobe wasn't a elite superstar kobe averaged 27/6/5 on 42% which is prime iverson numbers and iverson was a beast.

[tontoz]

In 2004 Kobe took 29 more shots than Shaq for the series yet Shaq actually made 10 more shots than Kobe. :lol

[ELITEpower23]

In 2004 Kobe took 29 more shots than Shaq for the series yet Shaq actually made 10 more shots than Kobe. :lol

2004 was a travesty just like 2011. Kobe/Wade ball tried to be the man and it backfired.

Thank goodness Shaq already took care of Kobe in 2000, 2001, 2002 much like LeBron did for Wade in 2012, 2013, 2014.

[ELITEpower23]

Other than 2000 finals were kobe wasn't a elite superstar kobe averaged 27/6/5 on 42% which is prime iverson numbers and iverson was a beast.

With only one 40 point game, zero triple doubles, and advanced analytics that destroyes him. Yep, elite alright.

[Orange_Cassidy]

people forget how tough defense was in the finals. a lot of the time scores were lower and it was a grind it out defensive battle. the old motto used to be "whoever wins the rebounding battle wins the series"


kobe locked up or made it difficult for every guy he ever defended

reggies 2000 finals = 41%fgs
M Jackson 2000 finals = 41% fg's
iversons 2001 finals = 40%fgs
snow 2001 finals = 40%fgs
mckie 2001 finals = 31%fg's
bell 2001 finals = 30%fg's
kidds 2002 finals = 43%fg's
Hamilton 2004 finals = 40%fg's
prince 2004 finals = 38%fg's
pierce 2008 finals = 43%fg's
Rondo 2008 finals = 37%fg's
Alston 2009 finals = 36%fg's
lee 2009 finals = 37%fg's
reddick 2009 finals = 40%fg's
nelson 2009 finals = 34%fg's
pierce 2010 finals = 43%fg's
ray 2010 finals = 36%fg's
tony allen 2010 finals = 33%fg's


this was just called real basketball at the time. today if you breathe on a guy he gets a flagrant penalty 1.. and if you give a hard found its a flagrant 2 ejection


plus kobe had constant injuries during the finals. sprained ankles, torn shoulders and knees. broken fingers and dislocations

you try shooting on one leg or with a cast on your hand


kobe has 4 Willis Reed titles. lebron misses an entire season with any of the injuries kobe played through

[tontoz]

Kobe's injuries didn't slow down his shot jacking.

[Rysio]

With only one 40 point game, zero triple doubles, and advanced analytics that destroyes him. Yep, elite alright.

40 point games rarely happen against elite defenses(and not like they were needed for kobe to win) lol triple doubles are for stat padding losers they mean very little especially since westbrook is the king of them a career loser.

[warriorfan]

Op was like 8 years old the last time Kobe was in the Finals and he doesn’t know shit about basketball.

[2ball]

Kobe was clutch tho (Kobe assist)

[ELITEpower23]

40 point games rarely happen against elite defenses(and not like they were needed for kobe to win) lol triple doubles are for stat padding losers they mean very little especially since westbrook is the king of them a career loser.

Spoken like a true chucker/Kobe fan boy

"Points don't matter. Passing and rebounding don't matter either, efficiency doesn't matter. Just keep shooting!"

[ELITEpower23]

Kobe was clutch tho (Kobe assist)

Marv Albert: Kobe shooting off the backboard to Artest! YES!

[ScottieQuitting]

He played most of them in a slug it out slow era and even after that had to face #1 ranked defenses in the Celtics and Magic, who both shit on Lebron winning as underdogs. Made him quit to form super teams.

Never got to face creampuffs or play in the WWE. Kobe played to put the ball in the hoop from the field. Everyone today is a flopper. KD, AD, bran, Harden, Paul, Trae, Embiid, Giannis... the only stars I can think of who don't base their game around cheating are Jokic, Kawhi, Curry, and maybe Paul George? Can't think of many that just look to score from the field fairly and don't constantly cheat the game.
Kyrie plays for buckets. No flop in his game. Long range, mid range, craftiness around the cup. Descendent of Kobe. KD is a bucket getter too.

[ELITEpower23]

Kyrie plays for buckets. No flop in his game. Long range, mid range, craftiness around the cup. Descendent of Kobe. KD is a bucket getter too.

Coach...

[Gudo]

Coach...

What he said are true though. No flopping, great scorers (and do not play hot potato like lebron does), very crafty (unlike lebron with limited stiffarming hippo moves to the basket).

[ELITEpower23]

What he said are true though. No flopping, great scorers (and do not play hot potato like lebron does), very crafty (unlike lebron with limited stiffarming hippo moves to the basket).

Are you saying LeBron plays "hot potato" and is still the all time leading playoff scorer eclipsing Kobe's best marks in every playoffs scoring category known to man? He did this as a passer?

[ScottieQuitting]

Coach...
Wheels…

[ELITEpower23]

Wheels…

AAU...

[Gudo]

Are you saying LeBron plays "hot potato" and is still the all time leading playoff scorer eclipsing Kobe's best marks in every playoffs scoring category known to man? He did this as a passer?

Yes, he plays hot potato. He leads because of longevity that he benefits from superteaming. Jumping from one ship to another. You know, the self-proclaimed king that likes to leave his team behind time and again, LOL!!!

[MadDog]

Faced tougher eastern conference defenses. Kobe was more of finesse player. Unlike the Wade and Jordan's who could mix it up. No coincidence those two fared better against the best and most physical defenses. From 05-12, and against the BEST defenses, I believe Wade shot better than LeBron AND Kobe.

[ELITEpower23]

Yes, he plays hot potato. He leads because of longevity that he benefits from superteaming. Jumping from one ship to another. You know, the self-proclaimed king that likes to leave his team behind time and again, LOL!!!

He passed everyone in 13 playoffs, try to keep up numbers are hard.

[ScottieQuitting]

Faced tougher eastern conference defenses. Kobe was more of finesse player. Unlike the Wade and Jordan's who could mix it up. No coincidence those two fared better against the best and most physical defenses. From 05-12, and against the BEST defenses, I believe Wade shot better than LeBron AND Kobe.
Well look at their physiques. Kobe was always built very wiry.

MJ and D-Wade had broad muscular shoulders that can shed and bounce off defenders when getting to the rim. Critique and give more punishment.

And yes, Kobe could get physical, but his game was predicated on finesse.

Dwyane Wade lacked the finesse level of skill of Michael and Kobe to the same extent to extend his career past his pure physicality.

But Wade’s pure raw quickness, speed, and strength allowed him to tear apart those elite eastern conference defenses that were far more physical than anything Kobe faced in the west.

Michael had the great combo of Kobe and Wade’s best attributes to mix it up vs various styles of defense better.

vs 2010 Celtics

LeBron: 27 ppg on 45%
Kobe: 29 ppg on 41%
Wade: 33 ppg on 56%

That’s with D-Wade playing with garbage, and nobody to distract the rest of the defense.

That’s the guy that LeBron cowardly needed to team up with in order to finally get out of his conference and into the finals to meet his personal expectations. The guy that basically outperformed the only two players considered superior to him, and the debate between who is the better player between Kobe and LeBron at that time.

Now, Dwyane Wade did that. What do you think Michael Jordan would do to the same type of defense.

[Hey Yo]

What he said are true though. No flopping, great scorers (and do not play hot potato like lebron does), very crafty (unlike lebron with limited stiffarming hippo moves to the basket).

Kyrie demands to be traded... unlike LeBron

[Hey Yo]

Well look at their physiques. Kobe was always built very wiry.

MJ and D-Wade had broad muscular shoulders that can shed and bounce off defenders when getting to the rim. Critique and give more punishment.

And yes, Kobe could get physical, but his game was predicated on finesse.

Dwyane Wade lacked the finesse level of skill of Michael and Kobe to the same extent to extend his career past his pure physicality.

But Wade’s pure raw quickness, speed, and strength allowed him to tear apart those elite eastern conference defenses that were far more physical than anything Kobe faced in the west.

Michael had the great combo of Kobe and Wade’s best attributes to mix it up vs various styles of defense better.

vs 2010 Celtics

LeBron: 27 ppg on 45%
Kobe: 29 ppg on 41%
Wade: 33 ppg on 56%

That’s with D-Wade playing with garbage, and nobody to distract the rest of the defense.

That’s the guy that LeBron cowardly needed to team up with in order to finally get out of his conference and into the finals to meet his personal expectations. The guy that basically outperformed the only two players considered superior to him, and the debate between who is the better player between Kobe and LeBron at that time.

Now, Dwyane Wade did that. What do you think Michael Jordan would do to the same type of defense.

James and the Cavs repped the 2007 Finals.

Sorry to do that to ya kid

[RRR3]

Cool story.

It was a tie game going into the 4th and Kobe goes for 8 pts on 3/6 FG & Shaq goes for 13 pts on 5/6 FG & they still lost the quarter & the game by 8 points because they couldn't defend the P&R.
Yikes imagine not being able to accept blame for Kobe for that “performance”. His horrible play was the reason it was tied you idiot.

[RRR3]

Other than 2000 finals were kobe wasn't a elite superstar kobe averaged 27/6/5 on 42% which is prime iverson numbers and iverson was a beast.
No one thinks Kobe wasn’t a beast but y’all compare him to Jordan.

[Gudo]

Kyrie demands to be traded... unlike LeBron

Glad you didn't refute anything else. Yes, Kyrie's attitude sucks. Lebron is not too dissimilar though. He equally sneaks behind his team by moving on to another team while recruiting.

[ScottieQuitting]

James and the Cavs repped the 2007 Finals.

Sorry to do that to ya kid
Yeah in a really crappy season where the defending champions suffered an injury to their best player.

And the best team in the west didn’t make it due to a stupid suspension.

But yes, Boobie Gibson did a fantastic job shooting them into the finals, but they got totally curb stomped in one of the most lopsided and boring NBA finals, of all time.

2007 Cavs might be the worst Finals participant of all time. Well, then and the Mickey Mouse Bubble Miami Heat of 2020. But no one really counts that.

Also, isn’t that the series where old Bruce Bowen held LeBron to a putrid Pippen esque 22 ppg on 36%?

:oldlol:

Hate to break it to you wheelies, they don’t give trophies at the professional level for coming in second place. Good job, good effort though.

:applause:

[ScottieQuitting]

Kyrie demands to be traded... unlike LeBron

Yeah, because he knew LeBron’s cowardly ass was leaving again, and didn’t want to leave his future up in the air swinging in the wind. Moron

[Hey Yo]

Glad you didn't refute anything else. Yes, Kyrie's attitude sucks. Lebron is not too dissimilar though. He equally sneaks behind his team by moving on to another team while recruiting.

James did a sign and trade with Miami

Opted out of his Miami deal and signed with a lottery team.

Opted out again and signed with another lottery team.

[Hey Yo]

Yeah in a really crappy season where the defending champions suffered an injury to their best player.

And the best team in the west didn’t make it due to a stupid suspension.

But yes, Boobie Gibson did a fantastic job shooting them into the finals, but they got totally curb stomped in one of the most lopsided and boring NBA finals, of all time.

2007 Cavs might be the worst Finals participant of all time. Well, then and the Mickey Mouse Bubble Miami Heat of 2020. But no one really counts that.

Also, isn’t that the series where old Bruce Bowen held LeBron to a putrid Pippen esque 22 ppg on 36%?

:oldlol:

Hate to break it to you wheelies, they don’t give trophies at the professional level for coming in second place. Good job, good effort though.

:applause:

Dude, why so mad?? All I did was educate you on your lack of NBA knowledge. Hang in there kid and stay in school. You'll catch up with the big dogs one of these days.

[Hey Yo]

Yeah, because he knew LeBron’s cowardly ass was leaving again, and didn’t want to leave his future up in the air swinging in the wind. Moron

Kyrie signed his 5yr deal before Bron signed.

So Kyrie's signing had nothing to do with LeBron cause Kyrie had no idea of James' intentions on coming back to the Cavs.

I ought to start charging you for the education I'm giving

[tontoz]

:roll:

[ELITEpower23]

Kyrie signed his 5yr deal before Bron signed.

So Kyrie's signing had nothing to do with LeBron cause Kyrie had no idea of James' intentions on coming back to the Cavs.

I ought to start charging you for the education I'm giving

Professor Hey Yo teaching our beginners :cheers: Very admirable.

[Hey Yo]

Professor Hey Yo teaching our beginners :cheers: Very admirable.

:cheers:

[lakerstekkenn]

Phil had a certain game plan Shaq has serious trouble against certain teams that could shut him down and slow him down also you can't keep playing at that high level every game, Kobe took over against the Spurs because those twin towers could stop Shaq, Kobe also destroyed other teams giving Shaq a rest, then the finals came against the west and Phil unleashed Shaq, making Kobe into a defender and point guard, this happened throughout their 3 championship run.

Kobe wasn't needed against Indiana only when Shaq fouled out, Kobe scored but he wasn't noticed because Shaq was that dominant.

Against the 76ers Shaq couldn't be stopped because he was to big and they didn't have a big man that could stop him, Kobe played point and was effective but wasn't noticed.

Against The Nets it's the same nobodies stopping Shaq.

Now the finals that three year run with two Championships Orlando couldn't stop Kobe so he shined so I don't know what your talking about against Denver Kobe was incredible and against Houston Kobe was incredible even with that insane defense he was facing.

Boston was a super team with big men and 3 all star players Kobe carried that first teams run until he got beat.

The next run against Boston Kobe carried these guys keeping then in the series was scoring like crazy but was losing those games but they went 7 games Kobe was physically spent and did what he could to win, both teams had bad games Kobe played average but so did the big three because of defense and fatigue that's all, you have bad games everyone has had bad games in the playoffs including Jordan.

[lakerstekkenn]

The loss to Detroit was because the Lakers lost their veterans to retirement traded Horry and played with lesser talent that couldn't perform the answer was Malone and Gary but injuries age and the Lakers fatigued because of that previous run caught up with them they just couldn't beat Detroit even the Spurs the next year went 7 against Detroit that's how good they were defensively, if the Lakers still had their veterans they had in the beginning they would've matched up with Detroit better and won.

No excuses it's a legitimate loss and Detroit win, the rest is history, Shaq leaves he gets one and Kobe gets two more, the Lakers almost get CP3 but get Nash he gets injured they almost bring back Phil someone goofed they try their run but Kobe doesn't get more rings.

Everyone knows CP3, Kobe; Howard and Phil gets more rings going against Miami, everyone would've gotten their wish a Kobe James finals.

[2much_knowledge]

How do you get only one 40 point game in 7 Finals?

In the regular seaaon Kobe was looking like LeBron scoring at will but then he turned into Kevin Love during the Finals.

Looking like lebron? Stiff and mechanical? Dont remember that

[2much_knowledge]

With only one 40 point game, zero triple doubles, and advanced analytics that destroyes him. Yep, elite alright.

5/7 > > > > 4/10. Winning > stats

[lakerstekkenn]

In the 76ers finals Kobe had almost the same points as Shaq Kobe had a lesser roll.

As you can see OP is wrong :no: :lol these stats are almost the same Kobe did his and Shaq did his.



Game 1 Shaq had 44 5 assist points in a loss

Game 1 Kobe had 15 points 5 assist 3 blocks



Game 2 Kobe had 31 points 6 assist 8 rebounds 2 blocks.

Game 2 Shaq had 28 points 5 tov 8 blocks 1 stl total rebounds 20




Game 3 Kobe 32 points total rebounds 6 assist 3 steals 2

Game 3 Shaq 30 points total rebounds 12 assist 3 blocks 4 turnovers 3




Game 4 Kobe 19 points total rebounds 10 assist 3 blocks 1 turnovers 4

Game 4 Shaq 34 points total rebounds 14 assist 5 blocks turnovers 3



Game 5 Kobe 26 points total rebounds 12 assist 6 blocks 1 turnovers 3

Game 5 Shaq 29 points total rebounds 12 assist 2 blocks 5 turnovers 5

Verify for yourself

https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/bryanko01/gamelog-playoffs/


https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/o/onealsh01/gamelog-playoffs/

[lakerstekkenn]

Check the rest of the stats for yourself OP isn't wrong, Kobe had fantastic finals.