One of the best ever is hanging it up after this season. I used to hate Kobe, but LeBron James has made me respect, maybe even like, the Black Mamba. Kobe, imo, is the closest thing to MJ we might ever see. He had the will to win and killer instinct similar to MJ and so unlike LeBron. I know he's just a shell of himself now, but it's cool he gets a farewell tour like Jeter did.
In much the same way as Jeter, it's a fairly dismal ending to his career. And I'm not just talking about his talent level, but the fact that this Laker team has been arguably the worst team in the NBA the past 3 seasons.
respect his play but not one of my favorites...always seemed to be way too selfish and more concerned about his standing on the team rather than his teams standing
He always struck me as the most arrogant asshole I've ever seen in sports, I won't be sad to see him go....
I love him and his personality is definitely not mine, but always loved his drive and ability. he was the best.
Definitely a killer, or at least he used to be. Too bad he couldn't bottle up a little of that ego because he and Shaq could have put together a really epic run, especially with Phil driving the car. Almost makes me hate him for what he cost the basketball viewing world but I can't.
I live in L.A. and just can't believe how many excuses are made for this guy. Kobe's reward for his heroics are the millions of dollars in salary and endorsements he ALREADY GOT. In a salary cap sport, to pay a guy this much for past accomplishments is beyond stupid. This entire Laker season has become about Kobe shooting airballs, the team losing by 30 and the star player getting a neat parting gift from the teams he visits. The Laker season should be about the young players getting better and learning to play without the black hole who'll be gone soon. I thought we had all learned our lesson when the Yankees trotted out a everyday SS who sucks - because he used to be really good! - and barely missed out on the playoffs.
Jeter was not what he once was but his skills hadn't eroded nearly as much as Kobe's. At least the Yankees were a respectable team by any standards other than the standards of the Yankees. The Lakers are a dumpster fire.
