The next 60 games are going to be torture. The fawning and accolades will be non-stop, while the Lakers sleepwalk toward another lottery pick. Meanwhile, Kobe will continue to stand around and hoist up perimeter bricks. Thank god he's gone ... well not yet.
Best wishes to the Kobe-ster. I remember when the Lakers acquired him- my mom, god rest her soul, was super excited. It was a perfect storm when Shaq was added to the mix- Phil, Jerry Buss, the supporting Laker cast... Big shot Bob, Fish- and all the others..... Sure, Kobe has a mixed legacy. But very few athletes who are top in their field have a pure legacy. I think he will go on to do great things
A great athlete. And like most great athletes he could not face the fact that he was done. Leave NOW. Don't embarrass yourself.
3
A tremendous athlete who should have retired from the game 3 or 4 years ago.
2
I'm old enough to remember Jelly Bean Bryant when he played for the Sixers. He was a productive member of their second unit, and a class act.
His son came of age and into his basketball skill set at a time when money for NBA player salaries skyrocketed. The man was a scoring machine. Did he make his teammates better? That's the benchmark against which any great athlete gets measured.
Only his former teammates and coaches really know the answer to that one.
Him getting paid $25 mil to show up for work this year in the NBA? That's simply a travesty. But that is America today. Athletic court jesters like Bryant get paid huge money to entertain us.
What that says about us and our society leaves a great deal to be desired. In a word? Ugh...
His son came of age and into his basketball skill set at a time when money for NBA player salaries skyrocketed. The man was a scoring machine. Did he make his teammates better? That's the benchmark against which any great athlete gets measured.
Only his former teammates and coaches really know the answer to that one.
Him getting paid $25 mil to show up for work this year in the NBA? That's simply a travesty. But that is America today. Athletic court jesters like Bryant get paid huge money to entertain us.
What that says about us and our society leaves a great deal to be desired. In a word? Ugh...
1
Good luck, Kobe. Life after NBA basketball will not approach an "everyman existence," but it will mean finding purpose elsewhere. You leave with substantial resources in name and wealth. May you use them, wisely, and remember John Wooden's words: "Build a shelter against a rainy day by the life you live, and give thanks for your blessings."
2
Haters gonna hate.
1
Yes, but Lakers gotta lake.
2
Great player, great player. Selfish and obsessive in the same way Jordan was. Both have the rings to prove such qualities as a basketball player are not a bad thing if you have extraordinary skills.
1
In my opinion, Kobe Bryant does not deserve the coverage the New York Times is giving him. As far as I am concerned, he used his money and fame to get away with raping a woman. I am not saying he has not been one of the best basketball players of all time, but his off the court behavior should make his retirement announcement a footnote in this paper.
1
I am not a big fan of NBA, but this morning when I waked up all my friends were discussing about Kobe's retirement. Our generation witnessed his ups and downs, no one can deny that Kobe is a legend and the shiniest star in his NBA times. Even outside the U.S., so many Chinese audience regard him as a role model to follow. So no matter how far he can go, best wishes to him.
I think he's holding off his retirement till the end of the season in hopes of receiving the fans' adulation, a la Magic, Bird, et al. Sorry Kobe, it's not going to happen. My moment of disgust w/ Kobe was his first all-star game when he told Karl Malone to get lost instead of setting a screen for him as he wanted to beat his player one-on-one. That moment encapsulated Kobe's selfish style.
1
All-star game doesn't matter.
How many championships did Karl Malone win? Malone was a redneck anyway who thought he might catch the AIDS from Magic Johnson.
How many championships did Karl Malone win? Malone was a redneck anyway who thought he might catch the AIDS from Magic Johnson.
1
I'll take Malone over Bryant any day (as both a human being and a ballplayer). One time, a passenger in Salt Lake City airport mistook Malone for a skycap. He took her luggage for her without a complaint.
1
One of the most overrated players in history, and I'm a fan of his. If he doesn't force Shaq out of LA they probably would have won between 6 and 8 championships. When he won a couple titles "on his own" they had a very good team around him and the league didn't have any other great teams. Lebron and Tim Duncan both get my vote over Kobe. The Lakers, under Jim Buss, are one of the worst run teams in the league now, case in point being they signed Kobe to a ridiculous contract after he came back from a serious injury. A top 15 player, but when I hear top 8 or top 10, it's laughable.
1
Don't wait till the end of the season, retire now you are not helping your team but hurting them. Move on.
4
Maybe for us woebegotten Charlotte fans, they can run off some posters of Kobe in a Charlotte Hornets cap back when he was first drafted!
Kobe has announced that he will retire at seasons end. Or is he telling us that now so if his game continues to go south, along with the Lakers season, he can cash his chips in after New Years? Then he and his agent can select the perfect day to retire, so he will be the STORY OF THE DAY. Then, he could just suck it up and get a full years pay, and at at the same time let everyone say goodbye. Sad to see his career end in the toilet. Looking back at his turmoil with Shaquille O'Neal (the last of the great old school centers), he will now realize those were his glory days. When he still had gas in the tank, he could've gone, but after Jerry Buss got him out of the Colorado ESCAPADE he had to be daddy's boy. Now we look at the carcass of a once elite franchise. I wonder what job Luke Walton has his eyes on? Wake up Lakers.
2
I am a fan. I am tired of hearing about how hard a teammate he is. Why can't the other players play hard enough so it is not even an issue. What is true talent anyway? All I here is whining. Thanks for the years Kobe.
2
Bryant is a rapist, pure and simple. That he is adored by anyone makes me sick.
5
Ugh. You were there? You should have offered your evidence to the prosecution.
2
My sentiments, exactly. I guess the Duke lacrosse team were a bunch of rapists too, John.
I remember when he was accused of sexual assault. I remember having a little boy who loved basketball, but I no longer thought we could find role models. I turned the NBA off in our house. We turned the TV on again with Steph Curry. Good luck Kobe.
4
Who cares?His off the court behavior certainly disqualifies him from being a role model for today's youth.
5
I liked it a lot more when players simply announced their retirement at the end of the season, and left it at that. Now they all want the extended good-bye serenade. Is it jaded to say that this gets tedious?
I received an email from the breaking news section of the NYT. I thought it was about terrorism. Instead it read that Kobe Bryan was retiring.
Who cares! The NYT needs to have its braking news sensor recalibrated.
Who cares! The NYT needs to have its braking news sensor recalibrated.
1
Really? Kobe's still playing ball?
Another 1 percenter retired at age 35..what a spoiled little brat he is..all about Kobe all the time.
1
Based on the comments by NYT readers, I have come to the conclusion that there are many jealous, hateful people out there.
2
I prefer to let the Life Force, IT, Sugmad, karma, an eye for an eye, what goes around comes around, the Great Spirit, God, or whatever you want to call ___ (insert words) judge Kobe Byrant's character and deeds. However, as a mere mortal who's watched him play, I reckon he was one heckuva basketball player. Without a doubt, he is one of the greatest basketball players of all time though, to put it mildly, he was known to be a difficult teammate for sure. One thing about Kobe that will always stick in my mind is how he always tried to better his game. He could have played a long time in the NBA on just pure physical talent, but he didn't do that. In that way he is legendary. The NBA will miss him. Some of us may not.
1
To All Those Who Spew Hate At Kobe From Someone Who Is Not Particularly A Big Fan of Lakers:
(1) Reflect for a moment on Kobe's lifetime accomplishments:
5 N.B.A. titles, 2 Olympic gold medals, 17 All-Star teams, and 2008 League's MOST VALUABLE PLAYER, 3rd on NBA's career scoring, and on and on.
(2) Most Importantly, the Human Condition To Which None of US As People Are Immune, As We Go Through Passages of Life, Best Captured In The Following; (Please reflect on it, not as a critique or admirer of Kobe, but as a reflection of all of us as people, as we all go through Passages of Life):
QUOTE:
"My heart can take the pounding
My mind can handle the grind
But my body knows it’s time to say goodbye."
(1) Reflect for a moment on Kobe's lifetime accomplishments:
5 N.B.A. titles, 2 Olympic gold medals, 17 All-Star teams, and 2008 League's MOST VALUABLE PLAYER, 3rd on NBA's career scoring, and on and on.
(2) Most Importantly, the Human Condition To Which None of US As People Are Immune, As We Go Through Passages of Life, Best Captured In The Following; (Please reflect on it, not as a critique or admirer of Kobe, but as a reflection of all of us as people, as we all go through Passages of Life):
QUOTE:
"My heart can take the pounding
My mind can handle the grind
But my body knows it’s time to say goodbye."
1
Kobe was great but I'd rather have Jerry West.
1
Yes, any day of the week.
1
Kobe, don't let the door hit you on the way out
2
Twenty years as a professional athlete is a long tenure, especially given the likelihood of injury, and the prevalence of trades, cuts, and contract buy-outs for athletes who are deemed unproductive oe a liability to a franchise.
Mr. Bryant played some amazing basketball. He is a preternaturally gifted player,perhaps even as great as some of his predecessors, like Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, John Havlicek, Wilt Chamberlain, Pete Maravich, Bill Bradley, Julius Erving and others. He will not, however, be remembered for contributions to building team spirit, nor is anyone likely to evoke any fond recollections of his easy-going manner.
Mr. Keh is probably correct in his assessment that Kobe Bryant will not have a "gushing farewell tour." Perhaps Mr. Bryant may discover that despite his stellar career, his enormous ego, and his monumental paychecks, the fans do not really react much to his announced retirement. He may be surprised to learn that in order to have a big sendoff, the fans have to like you.
Mr. Bryant played some amazing basketball. He is a preternaturally gifted player,perhaps even as great as some of his predecessors, like Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, John Havlicek, Wilt Chamberlain, Pete Maravich, Bill Bradley, Julius Erving and others. He will not, however, be remembered for contributions to building team spirit, nor is anyone likely to evoke any fond recollections of his easy-going manner.
Mr. Keh is probably correct in his assessment that Kobe Bryant will not have a "gushing farewell tour." Perhaps Mr. Bryant may discover that despite his stellar career, his enormous ego, and his monumental paychecks, the fans do not really react much to his announced retirement. He may be surprised to learn that in order to have a big sendoff, the fans have to like you.
1
It has been a joy - real joy - to watch Kobe Bryant play for the Lakers. When he gets that look in his eye and he turns on every jet, every ounce of skill and effort, there is no one else like him. He is a thrilling player to watch. Kobe has also had his share of character defects on and off the court, and he has slowly but surely faced them and matured. I admire him. I live in a glass house and I am not going to throw stones at a man who has tried so visibly to overcome his weaknesses.
2
Over the last few weeks, the media has covered the great man vs. the sinner issue. I am black and I can tell you I was flabbergasted this week to learn that many of my friends (mainly people of color) think Woodrow Wilson's name should be removed from Princeton and Cecil Rhodes' image should be nowhere to be found at Oxford--- but when we discuss black entertainers and pioneers, it's a different tune. I think the black community has long accepted that REVEREND MLK's fight for racial equality overshadowed his infidelities. Ebony Magazine caught a lot of heat for even addressing the tarnished image of Bill Cosby after the sexual assault accusations. And now does Kobe's achievements as a basketball player apparently overshadow his rape accusations---the one negative I hear of Kobe is his arrogance, not the fact that he paid a victim out of court to settle a sexual assault civil case. The only conclusion I've drawn is that at the end of the day, people will choose politics over righteousness, but use righteousness to shield their intentions. Oh...and women are never accepted as imperfect sinners--their imperfections always overshadow any greatness. What a society we live in!
8
Interesting to see all the negative comments. As a an NBA fan I admire Kobe greatly. He is about as dedicated to his craft as you get. The personality piece doesn't matter. While he might not be a "nice" man in white suburbia, he gave up his body and soul for his game. He brought joy and inspirations to kids and those that enjoy basketball as a sport. I would challenge anyone to endure his level of pain, training, scrutiny and public criticism and even stay balanced. His personality may be imperfect but he is still a legend. Kudos to Kobe.
3
He's no martyr. They pay him, remember?
Every time I hear the name Kobe, I think 'rapist.' I'm ecstatic to see this awful person leave the public arena.
8
I guess when you hear Duke lacrosse, you think rapist too. How did that work out? Oh, that's right the accuser is in prison for murder and the "rapists" were all exonerated. Kobe may have indeed raped the woman in Colorado, but he was never convicted and that's what we have in the end.
1
The Duke lacrosse team didn't buy-off the supposed "victim" to prevent her from testifying, thereby substantially weakening the case against them. Failure to try a case for lack of evidence where the accuser refused to testify is by no means a determination of innocence.
2
No, but the Duke lacrosse team hired one of the best law firms in the country (Williams and Connolly) to defend them when no one wanted to hear about the facts and the truth. The players on the Duke team were fortunate enough to have the resources to be able to afford great attorneys and parents who were influential enough to ensure a certain amount of due process and due diligence.
Kobe Bryant will be remembered as one of the greatest players of his era. But I will also remember him as one who used his prestige and money to buy his way out of a rape charge. True, he was never convicted. But if you believe the the DA only made the indictment after carefully reviewing the evidence that if proven would likely lead to a conviction, then he probably sexually assaulted his young victim.
The case was dropped when she agreed to an unknown civil settlement, probably for millions and then declined to testify in his criminal case. Bryant was not alone in using his status and money to suggest that 'no' only means no when they say so. Ben Rothlisberger was accused of more than one sexual assault and bought his way out of each of them.
Some will argue that neither was ever convicted of anything and pro athletes often become targets of women who are looking for a payday. That may be true, but another inconvenient truth is the degree to which pro athletes feel entitled and special. After all, they've been treated as stars all their life.
But the legacy of sexual abuse, maybe more so in the NFL than the NBA can't be overlooked. Just as young men seek to emulate Kobe's basketball accomplishments as they should, many may follow his social life as well. Is this a double standard that doesn't apply to the rest of us? Let's just say it comes with the 30 million dollar a year paycheck. If you want the spotlight remember that it shines on warts as well as trophies.
The case was dropped when she agreed to an unknown civil settlement, probably for millions and then declined to testify in his criminal case. Bryant was not alone in using his status and money to suggest that 'no' only means no when they say so. Ben Rothlisberger was accused of more than one sexual assault and bought his way out of each of them.
Some will argue that neither was ever convicted of anything and pro athletes often become targets of women who are looking for a payday. That may be true, but another inconvenient truth is the degree to which pro athletes feel entitled and special. After all, they've been treated as stars all their life.
But the legacy of sexual abuse, maybe more so in the NFL than the NBA can't be overlooked. Just as young men seek to emulate Kobe's basketball accomplishments as they should, many may follow his social life as well. Is this a double standard that doesn't apply to the rest of us? Let's just say it comes with the 30 million dollar a year paycheck. If you want the spotlight remember that it shines on warts as well as trophies.
8
The time to retire is NOW! ...or, at least, quit shooting.
2
Kobe was a Hall of Fame caliber player for much of his career but he is an obnoxious, me-first person with a serious allegation of rape hanging over him for the rest of his life.
Some of Kobe's success is due to NBA players's desire to play in L.A., the league's biggest media market and the the nation's capital of the entertainment industry. The Buss family know that their team is the only professional sports team that the city really supports and have consistently gone over the NBA's soft salary cap to keep the team in perennial contention. The Lakers are the Yankees of the NBA. Kobe was a great player but he had better teams around him than most other equivalent players.
Kobe also constantly pushed to have the offense run around him, which aided his statistics. He regularly threw teammates, coaches, management and owners under the bus to make himself look good.
As for the rape allegations: I believe Kobe's defense team did anything it could to get the woman to drop criminal charges. Once the complaint was filed, all sorts of rumors about the complainant leaked into the press. She was quickly tarred as a promiscuous nut job. Bryant's lawyer repeatedly violated Colorado shield laws by stating the complainant's name in pre-trial hearings over and over again. The woman received death threats. It's telling that Kobe paid the woman money after she dropped her case. To me, Kobe Bryant got away with rape.
I'm glad he's leaving. He sickens me.
Some of Kobe's success is due to NBA players's desire to play in L.A., the league's biggest media market and the the nation's capital of the entertainment industry. The Buss family know that their team is the only professional sports team that the city really supports and have consistently gone over the NBA's soft salary cap to keep the team in perennial contention. The Lakers are the Yankees of the NBA. Kobe was a great player but he had better teams around him than most other equivalent players.
Kobe also constantly pushed to have the offense run around him, which aided his statistics. He regularly threw teammates, coaches, management and owners under the bus to make himself look good.
As for the rape allegations: I believe Kobe's defense team did anything it could to get the woman to drop criminal charges. Once the complaint was filed, all sorts of rumors about the complainant leaked into the press. She was quickly tarred as a promiscuous nut job. Bryant's lawyer repeatedly violated Colorado shield laws by stating the complainant's name in pre-trial hearings over and over again. The woman received death threats. It's telling that Kobe paid the woman money after she dropped her case. To me, Kobe Bryant got away with rape.
I'm glad he's leaving. He sickens me.
2
No one doubts his skills as a ball player. I still kind figure out how that rape allegation disappeared overnight. Why didn't the media follow up on the case?
4
A great player, top 7. Most points in a career does not necessarily add up to titles (see Karl Malone, and see Bill Russell while you are at it.) Knowing how to win is the key. Now Jordan and Kareem, they could do it both.
As a person, seemed self-absorbed and all about "me." Sounded like he got away with rape, but we will never know for sure. Probably should leave the team now, maybe become assistant coach there to finish out the season. Do something to earn his final millions rather than going 3 for 16 every night.
As a person, seemed self-absorbed and all about "me." Sounded like he got away with rape, but we will never know for sure. Probably should leave the team now, maybe become assistant coach there to finish out the season. Do something to earn his final millions rather than going 3 for 16 every night.
2
That we worshiped this man is to our species' great discredit.
7
I never liked him.
2
25 Million dollars to score a few points per game and hardly any rebounds with abysmal percentage ratings, and not contribute in the least to the performance of the team?
Here's my proposal to the Lakers: I am in my early 40s, very fit, I regularly play 2-hour amateur basketball matches and I can score 3-pointers all day long. Give me 2 million dollars and I will be happy to take over from Kobe until the end of the season. You'll hardly notice the difference and you'll have saved 23 million bucks. Deal?
Here's my proposal to the Lakers: I am in my early 40s, very fit, I regularly play 2-hour amateur basketball matches and I can score 3-pointers all day long. Give me 2 million dollars and I will be happy to take over from Kobe until the end of the season. You'll hardly notice the difference and you'll have saved 23 million bucks. Deal?
6
Kobe's refusal to retire sooner and Steve Nash's contract have bombed the Lakers back to the D League. Every basketball analyst acknowledges that Kobe stifles his team's development by continuing to play, hog all the shots and pretend like he's still fantastic (which he was), rather than egregiously bad (which he is). Yet he maintains that his announcement will allow the fans to "savor" his last year. He is oblivious to reality. On the bright side, they do play the Sixers soon.
5
In a 2006 game against the Dallas Mavericks, he scored 62 points and
also had 0 assists, which tells you everything you need to know about
what it was like to be a teammate of Kobe Bryant.
also had 0 assists, which tells you everything you need to know about
what it was like to be a teammate of Kobe Bryant.
4
Kobe scored the 62 in 3 quarters and then sat. He shot 18-of-31 from the field and 22-of-25 from the free throw line. At the end of the 3rd quarter, the Mavs had scored less than Kobe. So obviously, his shooting contributed to victory. You're like those who criticize LeBron in last year's playoffs. You quote stats without understanding the basketball reasons behind them. The one stat you can take to the bank is win shares. They tell you how much a player contributes to team wins. Kobe is the 5th place all-time guard. Teammates of Kobe's won with him a lot more than they would have won without him. That's the stat that counts.
1
He needs to get out now. The only possible reason to stay is for the money. And that will tarnish his legacy becuase he is such a drag on the Lakers now. Give up the money, Kobe. Don't you have enough already?
3
With his big surly ego and contempt for lesser mortals (especially women), he was the opposite of a hero.
1
The one Kobe play of them all that I most remember was an impossible shot against the Suns with 2 seconds on the shot clock in a close-out playoff game. From my seat, I could see Alvin Gentry saying something and Kobe smiling. When I got home, the mystery was solved. Gentry basically told Kobe he had no right to hit that shot. They criticize Kobe for taking too many bad shots. But I think they're wrong. There aren't many good shots after the clock has wound down to 5. I'd guess that Kobe took more shots late in the 24 than anyone else and was one of the best ever at hitting them. In short -- and I never liked the guy -- I think he used his his talent as the greatest shooter ever of difficult shots to become the greatest end of the shot clock shooter ever. And his efficiency at the end of the clock was far more important to team success than the dozens of players who can hit the open corner three.
1
As a fellow 37 year old who can hardly climb a set of stairs without a constant tinge of pain, I applaud Bryant on his veritude on his career.
Felicitations, and look forward to what comes next.
Felicitations, and look forward to what comes next.
1
Glad to hear hes announced that this would be his last year..Many Lakers were a bit concern Kobe was getting delusional and thinking he could still keep on playing while shooting 20 shots per game.
Now, the young Lakers player can develop without worrying about Kobe dominating the ball.
Now, the young Lakers player can develop without worrying about Kobe dominating the ball.
1
This is so obviously a Nike marketing move to deflect from his current tragic slump. There isn't a doubt in my mind that if he finds his shot and/or (with the aid of a trip to Germany) regains his legs, he'll play another couple of years.
1
Certainly a great player and with the right teammates won 5 NBA championships. Among the greatest as a one on one player. But as the years went on he had such abilities, and belief in his own prowess, that he upset the ability of a team to function-distorted the team flow. He also failed to alter his game in later years to match his diminishing skills. Ruined the Lakers rebuilding chances with his outlandish salary, and as a gesture he should return some of that $25 million.
Seemed unrelentingly egotistical, even for a super star athlete, and certainly didn't seem very likeable. As far as the rape and other aspects of his behavior-he got caught-others did not-but as we saw from Magic Johnson's activities before the HIV-that just goes with the territory. Not defending it, but isn't that what star athletes do?
Seemed unrelentingly egotistical, even for a super star athlete, and certainly didn't seem very likeable. As far as the rape and other aspects of his behavior-he got caught-others did not-but as we saw from Magic Johnson's activities before the HIV-that just goes with the territory. Not defending it, but isn't that what star athletes do?
1
While I am a Lakers fan, & that was a great run they had from 2000-02, especially the 2001 championship run, where they only lost one game in the playoffs, sweeping everyone else, I still long for the Showtime era Lakers....THAT was must see TV, when the Lakers of Magic Johnson, James Worthy, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Byron Scott were on....
You had those great rivalries in the past - LA vs. Boston, LA vs Detroit, I think todays NBA lacks those great rivalries the league had in the 80's & 90's...
You had those great rivalries in the past - LA vs. Boston, LA vs Detroit, I think todays NBA lacks those great rivalries the league had in the 80's & 90's...
1
As a basketball player, in the firmament. As a human being, from where I sit and as little as I know, not so much. He stayed too long.
1
Well, I am fairly confident this is the first time a major star in any sport announced his retirement by writing a poem. Who knew?
Why is it that people are so keen on making strong comments for or against women who accuse famous men of rape? It is incredibly easy for 1) a male celebrity to rape strangers and 2) for a woman to have casual sex with a male celebrity and then accuse him of rape to get a big financial payoff. They both happen, and cryptic news reports are completely inadequate for determining which is which.
The fact of the matter is that Kobe was a very talented athlete and a very horrible sportsman. His talents came at a cost, and minus Shaq, Phil Jackson, and loads of money from the Lakers franchise, and Kobe is about as special as Allen Iverson. People say that Kobe got a lot of people into basketball, but to that I say that what Kobe really did was ingrain into the NBA self-congratulatory "hero ball" at the cost of the team.
The fact of the matter is that Kobe was a very talented athlete and a very horrible sportsman. His talents came at a cost, and minus Shaq, Phil Jackson, and loads of money from the Lakers franchise, and Kobe is about as special as Allen Iverson. People say that Kobe got a lot of people into basketball, but to that I say that what Kobe really did was ingrain into the NBA self-congratulatory "hero ball" at the cost of the team.
1
I've always wondered why people -- in this case Commenters -- seem to care so much about the private, off court/off screen/off field activities of entertainers.
1
Just amazing the NY Communist Times and other media swine continue to glorify such a bad role model for kids. Doesn't anyone remember just a short while ago, when many thought this guy would be spending time in prison for felony sexual assault.
Heck, corporate sponsors, such as Nike, even withdrew their 'public' association for nearly six-months. Where's the investigative journalism, that should be applauding a departure, that hadn't taken place near soon enough. Just pathetic.
Heck, corporate sponsors, such as Nike, even withdrew their 'public' association for nearly six-months. Where's the investigative journalism, that should be applauding a departure, that hadn't taken place near soon enough. Just pathetic.
1
It is entirely inappropriate to drop in as a one-liner in the middle of an article about Kobe Bryant's basketball career the following: "In 2003, he was accused of sexual assault in Colorado. He pleaded not guilty, and the charges were eventually dropped."
1
Kobe was among the most physically gifted of all basketball players. But he was not among the best of all basketball players. The best basketball is played as a total-team effort that involves team work to create the best scoring opportunities. Such an effort involves passing to others, setting screens for others, or, in other words, being unselfish. Kobe was one of the most selfish, self-centered players in basketball. The Lakers with the great, Shaq could overcome Kobe’s failings. When Shaq left, Kobe, as team leader, would not be the team player required to continue Laker dominance. He chose to make each game all about himself rather than team.
1
He is clearly a talented and determined athlete whose star began to fall 5 or 6 years ago. Since then he became even more difficult to coach and less of a teammate if he ever was one. Scoring 35 points on 30+ shots with 6 turnovers and few assists diminishes the team and his team mates. This is overdue. The Lakers have suffered because of him lately. They also thrived when he was at his prime. Sadly, the last few years are what we will remember most.
1
I remember Michael Jordan saying that Kobe Bryant was the only player who might have been able to beat him one-on-one--because Kobe had copied all his moves. It was a backhanded compliment, to be sure, but also a genuine acknowledgement of his rival's sheer athleticism and hard work. Bryant wasn't nearly as original as Jordan but he might have been as good. These kinds of judgments are always difficult in team sports. Kobe loved the game and seems to have taken more seriously than just about anyone. That intensity and desire to win didn't always make him the easiest person to be teammates with. . . . I grew up loving the Lakers (West, Baylor, Hairston, Goodrich, Chamberlain, Johnson, Jabbar, Rambis, Divac, etc.). Shaq and Kobe were the odd couple and it didn't always make for beautiful basketball, but they were almost impossible to stop--despite?--because of?--their contrasting styles. . . . I loved Kobe's smile and his styles and typically sided with him when he and Shaq squabbled, but of course i wanted them to kiss and make up and win another championship. . . . It became harder, much harder, to root for Kobe and the Lakers after that incident in . . . 2003, was it? I don't pretend to know what happened but the whole thing made me sad and maybe a little bit cynical.
1
I respect his play on the court but I've always disliked how he has treated others around him especially after hearing first hand accounts from a few friends who have had the privilege to work around NBA players (an equipment manager to an NBA team and another who was a NBA ball-boy during our senior year of high school). The best way I can put it is Bryant is tolerated but not well-liked. There are plenty who are happy to see him finally retire.
1
A vile, horrible man. I never fail to marvel over how the rape accusation simply disappeared into thin air--once the alleged victim (who received numerous death threats, and, it's rumored, cash from Kobe) withdrew her charges. It was never again mentioned by the Times or any other media outlet, in what seemed an Orwellian silence. Apparently his ability to shoot balls through a hoop is far more important than his treatment of women. I hope he burns in hell, along with all those who think that making money is more important than stopping rapists.
39
Funny how evidence in the court of law came forth that the accuser had semen belonging to MULTIPLE men in her underwear that were less than an hour old BEFORE she gave Kobe a tour of the hotel ALONE at freaking 2 am. Which eventually prompt the accuser/prosecution to change their stance and attack him with a civil suit and take his money. But don't take my word for it. Look up the public records of the proceedings of the case. Before you condemn someone to hell make sure you know all the facts and your sources are credible. And of course they're not going to push a story about a MILLION dollar black man who can have all the sex he wants (He plays for freaking LA!!!) POSSIBLY raping a white woman. People of that stature in society don't TAKE sex. Sex is THROWN at them 24/7. Rapists are normally born of men who were abused by their fathers or mother's boyfriends, which leaves them feeling abandoned by their mother. Kobe doesn't have that background...geez...i could go on but you probably won't read this seeing as how you seem miss anything written with truth in it.
1
It's mentioned right there in the article.
Totally agree. I found him terrible.And add that he was hated in Philadelphia. He was raised there, and after departing for L.A. renounced the city. I thought it was only fitting seeing Allen Iverson taunting Kobe during the 2001 NBA Finals. And Kobe deserved it, as he was showing off at that time.
1
$25,000,000 this year? I figure that's probably $25,000 per point, and that's if he stays healthy.
6
Well, bye.
4
Who cares?
16
When you go out of your way to tell us you don't care, what you are saying is that you care very much. Protesting that Kobe's retirement is a non-event is not at all the same as true indifference.
1
Yay!
9
I loved pro basketball as a kid and stayed with it until Adam Silver and the NBA robbed Donald Sterling of his team. I'll probably not get invited to Kobe's retirement party, but he wasn't invited to mine.
4
Yeah, such a shame that old racist pocketed $2billion along the way.
1
Ah, yes. The great Donald Sterling. Let's use the occasion of Kobe Bryant's retirement from another team to honor this outstanding individual, who, in addition to his enlightened views on race, bankrolled so many championship teams.
1
Mr. Sterling was certainly guilty of getting caught making stupid remarks over the telephone, but that is not a crime and doesn't qualify as racism. Besides which, one doesn't rob a man of the fruits of his efforts over a lifetime simply because you don't like him. Unless, of course, you have problems of your own.
1
A true great, whose legacy and legend will only grow with time.
We'll miss him but happy to have one more long goodbye with him this season.
Hat's off.
We'll miss him but happy to have one more long goodbye with him this season.
Hat's off.
6
He's a tool and so is anyone by association.
2
perhaps it is endemic to being a superstar, but Kobe was insufferably arrogant, not a great teammate, and ultimately only as good as his supporting cast.
Great basketball talent though.....now on to the next generation of greats.
Curry comes across as a different human.......
Great basketball talent though.....now on to the next generation of greats.
Curry comes across as a different human.......
11
Every time I see that guy I can't help but think of the rape allegation against him.
He sickens me.
He sickens me.
34
Yes, rape allegations, just like those same allegations against the Duke lacrosse team almost 10 years ago. How did that work out? Get your facts straight.
Me too. Every time I see that smirk on his face, I imagine he's thinking , "I got away with it".
1
Big difference. One was PROVEN wrong. Kobe's accuser withdrew the allegations because of what? Media pressure, money settlement behind the scenes, scared of "Koby's "fans" considered the entire issue not worth the hell of what she was being put through?
Maybe some follow-up and real reporting all these years later would uncover what really happened. Wonder how much her "lifestyle" changed after she dropped the charges. NOBODY really cares since the great Koby could go on shooting baskets instead of being jailed.
Maybe some follow-up and real reporting all these years later would uncover what really happened. Wonder how much her "lifestyle" changed after she dropped the charges. NOBODY really cares since the great Koby could go on shooting baskets instead of being jailed.
It is entirely inappropriate to drop in as a one-liner in the middle of an article about Kobe Bryant's basketball career the following: "In 2003, he was accused of sexual assault in Colorado. He pleaded not guilty, and the charges were eventually dropped."
Both Andrew Keh and his editor might be better served working for a supermarket checkstand tabloid.
Both Andrew Keh and his editor might be better served working for a supermarket checkstand tabloid.
13
Sex criminals unite? Please, no position with any kind of "accountability", as clearly absent here would suit Keh or his ilk. Maybe collecting shopping carts or as greeters at Walmart would be more appropriate.
1
Why is this inappropriate? Being charged with sexual assault is not the norm, and it was a huge part of the man's public persona in the minds of many (I'd wager to say, in about 51% of the population).
2
Why not add it? It was an integral part of his career's timeline.
2
Definitely, top of the front page news!
Thanks to the Times for recognizing what's important.
Thanks to the Times for recognizing what's important.
7
good riddance.
24
I second that...what a lousy human being.
17
Used to be a massive Lakers fan. Then they decided to kick out Shaquille to appease Kobe, at which point I lost all respect for Kone and all affection for the Lakers. Then he went and did that thing to that girl, and with his money and power managed to shut up the girl. Shame on him, and shame on fans who put trophies ahead of rape conviction.
33
He was not convicted of rape. Just a fact.
1
Good Riddance parasite!
11
Kobe Bryant is to basketball as Eric Clapton is to the guitar. Absolutely the best.
4
Not 'is' - 'was'. Kobe's been an average player for a while and now's he's mediocre.
7
Eric Clapton's personal history, however, is pretty terrible. Addiction, domestic violence, publicl confession to marital rape, a drunken, extremely racist public rant. Much worse than Kobe's. Besides, I think Jimi Hendrix was a much better guitar player. Hendrix is not appreciated enough for his extremely broad and deep command of blues and rock guitar styles, which he combined and wove together to create his signature style, which sounded wild and new but was actually deeply discplined and full of tradition.
I suppose the fact that I'm more interested in the music here says something about how my regard for Kobe has shifted over the years. I mean really, I kind of thought he'd retired already.
I suppose the fact that I'm more interested in the music here says something about how my regard for Kobe has shifted over the years. I mean really, I kind of thought he'd retired already.
Put it on the front page when Tim Duncan announces his retirement, as he's the antithesis of Kobe - selfless versus selfish, competitive without being arrogant, and willing to sacrifice statistics and salary for the sake of the team. I'd imagine Kobe has his good qualities as a person, like most of us, but as a basketball player it was all about himself.
60
It's Kobe's money so he does not sacrifice for someone else: only a question of whose foot is on whose neck, ah, capitalism, don't feel guilty Kobe, take the money and run.
A good athlete - a rotten human.
30
Kobe was a Philly guy who loved the Lakers glamour.
Thus he was never loved in his hometown. Too bad. But certainly a great career. What a warrior.
Thus he was never loved in his hometown. Too bad. But certainly a great career. What a warrior.
3
Will be curious if goodwill continues for entire season for someone going 2-16 on nightly basis while making $23.5 million
4
Kobe Bryant was the greatest player in the NBA over the last seventeen seasons. Also the most exciting. Thank you Mr. Bryant. You did well.
7
No, he wasn't. Try Tim Duncan and Lebron James over Kobe.
2
The NBA will be far better off with fewer ego-driven, entitled, it's-all-about-me players like Kobe Bryant. He has singlehandedly trashed one of the league's most storied franchises by virtue of his off-court behavior and a series of selfish salary demands that have crippled his team's ability to field even a marginally competitive team. The Lakers would never admit this publicly, but behind the scenes, they have to be breaking out the Dom Pérignon.
43
He always gave his customers, NBA fans, his all every game, he was a competitor like few others, he loved his job and kept going long after he should have retired, what's not to admire about that?
5
His unquenchable desire to win, and his willingness to take the most difficult shots imaginable to create something (maybe sometimes just to challenge himself) and also to repeatedly bail out his teammates, are a remarkable legacy.
As with other superstar long-playing Laker players like Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul Jabbar, he defined years of Lakers teams and willed years of Laker teams to stellar performance and multiple championships.
He is a true superstar and one of the very best ever to play basketball.
Was he perfect? Are you? Perhaps more relevantly, which basketball superstar (or human) has been?
As with other superstar long-playing Laker players like Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul Jabbar, he defined years of Lakers teams and willed years of Laker teams to stellar performance and multiple championships.
He is a true superstar and one of the very best ever to play basketball.
Was he perfect? Are you? Perhaps more relevantly, which basketball superstar (or human) has been?
8
Yes, please continue to eulogize his virtues, such as that legendary, gritty performance in Colorado.
2
Truly the end of an era in Los Angeles! I remember being a mile away at USC when they took it all home in 2010. A high point for the city and its people. Ultimately his dominant performance at the Staples Center has helped make downtown a place to be again!
3
Kobe, please end it now. You should have retired last year. It's not fair to Lakers players and fans to see you continue to drag the team down.
28
Not to mention all the salary he'll soak up this year, and not deserve. But this is in character for him. The Lakers should have traded him a few years ago. They have only themselves to blame for being stuck with what is now a huge anchor holding back their rebuilding. Good riddance.
Arguably Bryant is one of the best players ever in the NBA. At the time of announcing his retirement, Bryant ranks number 1 among active players in field goals with 11,384; field goal attempts with 24,287; free throws with 8,192; free throw attempts 9,785; steals with 1,844, and points scored 32,870. In terms of his overall career, Bryant ranks 6th in field goals with 11,384; 3rd in field goal attempts with 25287; 1st in field goals missed with 13,903, 3rd in free throws with 8,192, and 3rd in points with 32,670. In the final statistic, Bryant is second to Karl Malone who stands in 2nd with 32,928, and ahead of Michael Jordan with 32,929. Kareem Abdul Jabbar leads this stat with 38,387.
2
This is more important than Colorado Springs or ISIS. Thank you NY Times for putting it on the front page.
17
Ah, the perils of sarcasm (or sincerity!) on a comment site where terse remarks can be so easily misconstrued. Still, as long as you brought it up ...
The terrors of ISIS and unstable shooters will be repeated many, many times. Some NYT readers want the full details, day after day. Others of us welcome a front page that offers us a bit of perspective on the rest of life, too. I remember the endless tick, tick, tick of Jimmy Carter (good man) trying to deal with the Iran hostage mess in 1979-80 for most of its 444 days. In the end, fixating so relentlessly on tragedy didn't help anyone.
Athletes' careers have teaching value for our kids. There's nothing I can share with my children about ISIS today that wasn't sayable (and said) the day before. Ditto for deranged shooters. We end up having a better dinner conversation when we talk about the twilight of a great, difficult athlete's career -- and what that says about the trajectories that all of us face.
The terrors of ISIS and unstable shooters will be repeated many, many times. Some NYT readers want the full details, day after day. Others of us welcome a front page that offers us a bit of perspective on the rest of life, too. I remember the endless tick, tick, tick of Jimmy Carter (good man) trying to deal with the Iran hostage mess in 1979-80 for most of its 444 days. In the end, fixating so relentlessly on tragedy didn't help anyone.
Athletes' careers have teaching value for our kids. There's nothing I can share with my children about ISIS today that wasn't sayable (and said) the day before. Ditto for deranged shooters. We end up having a better dinner conversation when we talk about the twilight of a great, difficult athlete's career -- and what that says about the trajectories that all of us face.
21
Not every story has to be world news about The Big Stuff in Life. Kobe's a historic figure in the last decade of sports and deserves a sendoff.
4
Your comment implies you don't understand how things work online (which might explain why you perpetually find yourself an "irate citizen," so much that you've nicknamed yourself that way):
The digital front page is dynamic, as opposed to the print front page. This brand-new story will slide down and out once it is past its first few hours. Amazing, these computers with the microchips and everything, no?
The digital front page is dynamic, as opposed to the print front page. This brand-new story will slide down and out once it is past its first few hours. Amazing, these computers with the microchips and everything, no?
11
He could shoot the lights out, but he has to be one of the most unlikable, selfish, and overrated players in the history of the game. He rode Shaq's coattails for his first three titles, and Pau Gasol's for his final one.
Won't miss him for a minute.
Won't miss him for a minute.
41
Yes, but this year is all that I hoped it would be with a cinemetographer hired by Kobe to film every minute of it. I do love hubris.
Too bad there wasn't a good cinemAtographer at that Colorado hotel! Then no one would have to endure this senseless eulogy and associated drivel.
2
His arrogance tempers his basketball greatness. Don't let the door hit you in the a$$.
35
Kobe is an astonishing individual talent, one of the best ever, but he is stuck playing basketball, which is a team game.
I wish I had a dollar for every Laker fan who shouted during summer 2012 that the Lakers had just won another title, having assembled a starting lineup for the 2012-13 season of Steve Nash, Kobe, Ron Artest, Pau Gasol, and Dwight Howard. Instead, they didn't have any chemistry and barely made the playoffs.
I wish I had a dollar for every Laker fan who shouted during summer 2012 that the Lakers had just won another title, having assembled a starting lineup for the 2012-13 season of Steve Nash, Kobe, Ron Artest, Pau Gasol, and Dwight Howard. Instead, they didn't have any chemistry and barely made the playoffs.
5
I look forward to the enactment of the "Bill Cosby laws" eliminating the statutes of limitations on sex crimes.
25
I lost respect for Kobe after he was accused of "sexual assault". I understand the charges were dropped, but I believed the girl. And the details around that story made me cringe. Changing your number from 8 to 24 doesn't change the story, and doesn't wipe away that history. How we treat people is our only lasting legacy.
49
On what basis do you believe the girl?
If Larry Bird had been similarly accused would your "beliefs" have been different?
If Larry Bird had been similarly accused would your "beliefs" have been different?
1
@AJ, I base my belief on Kobe's formal statement apologizing to the girl.
If Larry Bird had been accused and apologized through his lawyer like Kobe did, I would have lost respect for Bird too. But, that didn't happen--did it?
If Larry Bird had been accused and apologized through his lawyer like Kobe did, I would have lost respect for Bird too. But, that didn't happen--did it?
15
He is lucky he was not in college where it is mandated that the girl be believed and the male is guilty until proven innocent.
By the way AJ he did it since that type of behavior is consistent with Koby's stellar personality. A classic man/child with too much fame and money.
By the way AJ he did it since that type of behavior is consistent with Koby's stellar personality. A classic man/child with too much fame and money.
Two years later than he should have.
7
I appreciate what Kobe brought to the NBA but yet another season long goodbye tour?! I hate these. Take your millions and have a well-deserved retirement.
1
About 3-4 years too late. Took down the Lakers, and his legacy, in the process. Some people just don't know when to quit.
While I truly hope he will not, I am betting he does a Brett Favre.
While I truly hope he will not, I am betting he does a Brett Favre.
14
Kobe's going to retire? Those twenty years just vanished right in front of me. Kobe's almost forty? Wow, life passes in a flash.
16
Not soon enough... Winning is 'not an option.'
11
It's also worth mentioning that Kobe inspired so many kids to pick up a basketball and - like him - fall in love with the game. It's captured in the fact that when you throw up a last-minute shot, you never yell "Jordan" or "Lebron" - it's one name, and one name only: "KOBE!"
From all your fans across the globe, thank you Kobes. We will miss you and will never forget what you brought to the game. From the junior fro to the Black Mamba, every moment has been a thrill. Godspeed, sir!
From all your fans across the globe, thank you Kobes. We will miss you and will never forget what you brought to the game. From the junior fro to the Black Mamba, every moment has been a thrill. Godspeed, sir!
12
A gifted athlete - a spoiled brat
56
Thank you, Kobe: you held the torch high and many, many of us mainly onlookers like our kids became inspired by your playing and your work after playing with disadvantaged kids. Despite the mean spiritedness of some rivals.
And also, weʻd like to thank your wife for standing by you. God bless you!
And also, weʻd like to thank your wife for standing by you. God bless you!
2