Kobe Bryant

     Well the 09' NBA Finals are over, and as pretty  much expected the Lakers ran through the Magic. The big question is now, what does this do for Kobe Bryant's place in history? I think that even a basketball novice, can watch this man , and appreciate his pure basketball skill, high energy , drive, and competitiveness! The thing that has always haunted Kobe, is that he has a made up identity. Yes and we all know who it's made up after, from the shaved head, to the fist pump, to the walk,  to changing his number, to him even jumping up and down kicking his legs after winning title the other night. Any real fan knows that these are not coincidences! If it's anything we all hate is a copycat!  As brilliant of an athlete as he is, it's sad that he is not comfortable enough with himself to let his ability speak for itself. Everything with Kobe seems contrived, or staged made up. It has been reported that Kobe had it arranged where only his wife and kids could be waiting for him after games to kiss!  After the finals where were all the other wives, and children of players and coaches?  Even the hugs, and on court celebration looked uncomfortable! It's not supposed to be, it's supposed to be fun , happy, enjoyable, a natural exuberance. He has been praised for his attitude and change, yet he is lucky to still be on a team that looking back, had that Chicago trade gone through where would he be now?  A couple of lucky trades which do happen in the NBA: Pau Gasol for nothing, Trevor Ariza for I cant remember? Now he's in Two straight Finals. Even the downplaying of  winning without Shaq! Why not just say, yes this would be a special one because I wasn't considered the best player on those teams. Many greats are considered greats because they were the man, and in order for me to be in that pantheon, I had to win one without Shaq! That's Real, that's respectable. Look this is is a guy that barring injury, will finish at least 3rd all time in scoring behind (Kareem,Malone) maybe second. He has 4 titles, and of course could still win more which is more than all the greats except for Russell, Kareem, Jordan, and Magic! Add to that an Olympic Medal, his great durability, and competitiveness. The guy is a top 10 Player of All Time! Now readers of this blog would say, Kobe is a top 10 player of all time, why is he only the second best player in the league right now? Because the No. 1 Guy is going to end up being one of the five best players of all time! Including the Olympics Kobe had a great year, not missing a game playing at his normal level of excellence, and leading his team to a Championship. What he has to do now is just play basketball, and let his tremendous ability, work ethic, and desire to be the best lead the way, because clearly that's the best thing he has going for him!