Unlike many stars in the league, Kobe Bryant got to experience team success at an early age. Bryant came into the league as a young, intelligent, unselfish player that willingly played point guard at times. With Shaq, Phil Jackson, and a combination of veteran and emerging players, Kobe won 3 titles to enter the 21st century.
While it was understandable for Kobe to want to face new challenges, it was unfortunate how he asked to have his own team. Yes, Jerry Buss's rationale that Shaq was aging, declining in ability and health, and expensive was all true. Yet, I question the claim that Kobe's desire to be numero uno never came into play in the decision to send O'Neal back east.
At this point, what does Kobe truly want? In 2005-2006, his 81-point effort actually came unselfishly, as he got his points while legitimately running the plays. Although he also seemed less egocentric during the '06-'07 season, Kobe still had the tendency to hold onto the ball as the Lakers' short playoff run came to an end. Will upgrades to the roster help? Can #24, the former #8, coexist with other big egos? On the other hand, can Bryant survive NBA life in a non-Los Angeles atmosphere?
Perhaps Phil Jackson's triangle offense (developed by longtime associate Tex Winter) is no longer as effective as it used to be. Perhaps the magic left when Jerry West left town. Despite those possibilities, Kobe Bryant is arguably the best clutch player in today's NBA. The problem is, what will it take to get the man in the clutch situations that count the most?
Instead of just taking a look in the mirror to evaluate things, maybe Kobe needs to look around at some of his peers. Tracy McGrady, taking things one step at a time, just wants to get out of the first round. Vince Carter, steadily declining in ability while also quickly becoming a notorious whiner, still has the desire to get out of the second round. Kevin Garnett wants to get to the Finals. Allen Iverson, who lost in the Finals with Philly, left to join Carmelo Anthony in Anthony's pursuit of the second round. Even a nearly retired Chris Webber accepted a lesser role in joining the Pistons in a last attempt at winning a ring.
While other top players want to move up, Kobe does, too. But, can Kobe make the Championship (and his team) a higher priority than his personal satisfaction? Or, does he have enough rings, with individual accolades being the only real challenges remaining for him? If individual stats interest him more, then maybe he should consider helping another team in the league sell tickets. Then again, that would still require putting a franchise before himself.
While it was understandable for Kobe to want to face new challenges, it was unfortunate how he asked to have his own team. Yes, Jerry Buss's rationale that Shaq was aging, declining in ability and health, and expensive was all true. Yet, I question the claim that Kobe's desire to be numero uno never came into play in the decision to send O'Neal back east.
At this point, what does Kobe truly want? In 2005-2006, his 81-point effort actually came unselfishly, as he got his points while legitimately running the plays. Although he also seemed less egocentric during the '06-'07 season, Kobe still had the tendency to hold onto the ball as the Lakers' short playoff run came to an end. Will upgrades to the roster help? Can #24, the former #8, coexist with other big egos? On the other hand, can Bryant survive NBA life in a non-Los Angeles atmosphere?
Perhaps Phil Jackson's triangle offense (developed by longtime associate Tex Winter) is no longer as effective as it used to be. Perhaps the magic left when Jerry West left town. Despite those possibilities, Kobe Bryant is arguably the best clutch player in today's NBA. The problem is, what will it take to get the man in the clutch situations that count the most?
Instead of just taking a look in the mirror to evaluate things, maybe Kobe needs to look around at some of his peers. Tracy McGrady, taking things one step at a time, just wants to get out of the first round. Vince Carter, steadily declining in ability while also quickly becoming a notorious whiner, still has the desire to get out of the second round. Kevin Garnett wants to get to the Finals. Allen Iverson, who lost in the Finals with Philly, left to join Carmelo Anthony in Anthony's pursuit of the second round. Even a nearly retired Chris Webber accepted a lesser role in joining the Pistons in a last attempt at winning a ring.
While other top players want to move up, Kobe does, too. But, can Kobe make the Championship (and his team) a higher priority than his personal satisfaction? Or, does he have enough rings, with individual accolades being the only real challenges remaining for him? If individual stats interest him more, then maybe he should consider helping another team in the league sell tickets. Then again, that would still require putting a franchise before himself.