You phrase things like they were forced upon Kobe. He “had to carry that weight?” Kobe didn’t have to do anything.

In fact, Kobe didn’t even “have to” play in LA. That was his choice. Kobe forced his way to LA.

Nothing was forced upon Kobe. He wanted the spotlight, at times openly demanding the spotlight. He chased away Shaq because he was tired of sharing the spotlight. Brought in yes men Odom and Gasol to take his place.


Please spare me the Kobe as an unwilling martyr narrative. He craved the Jordan comparisons, at times demanding them.


He was a great player. I was an early fan of his perfectly refined game, then later turned off by the all about Kobe all the time show that he put on, but whatever. His competitive drive can be matched but never exceeded. He’s an all timer. He deserves the eulogies. Just don’t oversell it.