Feb
7, 2001
NBA BASKETBALL - - - - -
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KID
KOBE IS GOING UP AND GROWING UP By
DANIEL DUNNING-BIRMINGHAM, AL
NBA
superstar Kobe Bryant is doing more than going up, he is growing up. Bryant
came into the NBA his rookie year in 1996 with the attitude that he could
play with the best in the league, or play better than the best. This
confident attitude has often been criticized as selfishness or lack of
team-play on the part of Kobe. A lot of this criticism has been spawned
by a 7 foot man in the middle, who is used to being the "CENTER OF ATTENTION."
You don't have to think too long to know I'm talking about Shaq and unlike
many sports writers these days, I am not afraid to tell the big fellow
the truth.
Shaq
is a great player but his younger teammate, Kobe Bryant, may be more or
become more of the crucial piece of the puzzle needed to contend for another
NBA title. Shaq is dominating at the center position but a younger, faster,
more versatile, and better free throw-shooting Kobe may have to assume
the lead role if LA wishes to repeat. If Shaq doesn't lose some of
his ego and stop crying about more touches he may continue to create a
tension between teammates, and the media in regard to Kobe Bryant.
If Shaq wants more points he needs to seek them at the foul line.
To be honest, Shaq is such an awe-inspiring presence that when he speaks
people listen.
Just
like the biblical account of a giant named Goliath and a kid named David,
we have Shaq and Kobe. Goliath's presence and dominance kept his
friends behind him and his enemies afraid to challenge him. No one would
challenge him accept for a ruddy youngster that believed he had better
skills, when others criticized that young David even had a chance.
David had courage and faith, something Kobe must have if he ever expects
to lead LA anywhere. With Shaq in the middle glaring at every missed shot
and team loss with Kobe being the go-to guy, there's little room for error
by Kobe. Teammates, the media, and even the Laker's coach Phil Jackson
want to keep the big man from crying about touches so all have set out
to stifle Kobe with negative criticism. If Shaq could be less of a big
vacuum and more of a big friend to Kobe the Lakers could be on their way
to, back-to-back titles.
This
season we have seen the emergence of Kobe Bryant as a better scorer (29.6
ppg), a more consistent passer (4.6 assists pg), and he has become more
mature. That's right, Kid Kobe's stock is going up and he is growing
up. Kobe's young mind is maturing and he is looking more aggressive
and ready to take charge of LA. If Kobe wants to be the man, he's
got to be a man. A good leader has to willing to do what others won't
do. Kobe has got to dive for loose balls, fight it out when others
are afraid, leave all his heart and guts on the hardwood. Kobe can
silence all his critics, including those on his team, if the Lakers win,
and if they lose he has got to go down fighting. As captain of the
ship, Kobe must give LA every ounce of his strength when no one else does.
That is the price to pay for being the top gun; hopefully Kobe can afford
to pay up.
Kobe
has a rare athletic ability and I don't want to sound redundant but he
looks a lot like Michael Jordan. It is not just his rare talent but
there is something special about the young superstar; you just know he
is destined for greatness. He has the charm and prowess of Michael
Jordan at just age 22, something many didn't recognize in Michael that
early in his career. Speaking of Michael, have we forgotten the criticism
M. J. had to endure about his amount of shots, especially during special
events such as all-star games when he was teamed with other dominate players.
Well, if we have forgotten I'm sure Michael hasn't. Michael possessed a
great hunger to beat his opponent, and that separated him from the rest
of the NBA in terms of greatness. Kobe has the talent but, If Kobe has
the will to win, to fight to the end, the will to leave his critics and
opponents spellbound, he can have a shot at Michael's reigning crown as
one, if not the best to play the game.
The
Lakers should be leading the league in the win column and when they overcome
their personal differences and concentrate on playing together it will
all come together. Kobe is budding into a brilliant player, he just
needs room to bloom and watering from coach Phil and especially Shaq. No
one wants to see what should be a dynasty become a struggling team with
an identity crisis. If the Lakers do repeat this year the momentum
they come away with would catapult them from being a good team to possibly
one of the best. They have the talent, no doubt, and if they are
willing to play as a team, give room for their rising-star Kobe Bryant,
and support one another, we are all in for a spectacular show of dominance
from the World Champion, LA Lakers.
