In yesterday’s post, I mentioned how I found it strange that Kobe Brant was ranked 6th in the #NBARank, and it turns out I am not the only one who thinks that way. ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith and Skip Bayless find it blasphemous that Kobe Bryant (6) and Dwyane Wade (8) were not named as top five NBA players. Smith argued that Chris Paul and Derrick Rose should not be ahead of Bryant on the list, a five-time NBA champion and the second leading scorer in the NBA last season. Smith also did not find that Howard being in the top five as a justifiable position. He mentioned many of the concerns I had, mainly about Howard’s poorer offensive game. Bayless believes Bryant was not placed higher on the list because of his playoff performance against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Kobe Bryant is one of basketball’s greatest players. With the career he has had, staying on top this long is an honor in itself. Despite what the polling rank has said, being the veteran Kobe is and still competing, and in most cases, beating out the young pups in the league is incredible.
Congratulations Kobe.
For more Kobe related news, Lakers Nation teamed up with Tyson Beck to bring you a detailed graphic that compares the careers of Michael Jordan and Bryant in a side-by-side manner that allows you to focus just on the numbers. It is a really eye opening picture. What immediately stood out to me was the staggering differences in some of these numbers, where as I had previously thought Kobe was more matched than he is.
Training camp is in a number of days and Andrew Ungvari of Lakers Nation has done the unthinkable; told Kobe to back off, just a little bit. In his open letter to Bryant, Ungvari tells Kobe he needs to understand that he is no longer the player he once was, therefore his season strategy has to be different. To check out the letter, you can read Andrew’s post here.
Last but not least, if you haven’t seen Kobe make some kid’s day, here is a clip of his time on Ellen. Kobe took some time to meet a young fan and truly lit up the little boy’s life.
Lakers Nation News
Dwight Howard Wallpaper: Embracing the Legacy
Photo Gallery: Behind The Scenes – Time Warner Cable SportsNet
How The Lakers Will Cope With Steve Blake’s Injury
Video: Kobe Bryant Makes Ellen DeGeneres Show Appearance, Meets Fan
Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan Comparison: Numbers Never Lie
Happy 23rd Birthday Lakers Rookie Darius Johnson-Odom
On The Eve Of Training Camp, An Open Letter To Kobe Bryant
Wallpaper: Dwight Howard – Embracing The Legacy
Video: Stephen A. Smith and Skip Bayless Upset With ESPN Rankings
Lakers News
Dwight Howard Ranked 3rd Best NBA Player by ESPN [LA Times]
Reggie Theus to Coach D-Fenders [ESPN]
Lakers’ Jordan Hill Avoids Jail Time with Plea [Silver Screen and Roll]
More Time Warner Cable News [LA Times]
Lakers Sign 7-1 Center Ronnie Aguilar [ESPN]
Kobe, Lakers at the Top of Payrolls [Hoops Hype]
L.A. Times Writers Expects Lakers to Win NBA Championship [LA Times]
Kobe Meets Young Fan on ‘Ellen Show’ [Lakers Blog]
Dwight Howard Making Progress on Back [LA Times]
Dwight Howard Working Out [Land O’ Lakers]
Five Ways for the Lakers to Stay Healthy [LA Times]
NBA News
The Daily Clipper – Media Day Edition [Silver Screen and Roll]
The NBA Reportedly Will Start Fining Players for Flopping [Ball Don’t Lie]
OJ Mayo on the Mavericks [Hoops Hype]
D-League Players Who May Land Spots In NBA Camp [SB Nation]
Of Course John Wall Got Hurt [ProBasketballTalk]
Warriors GM Bob Myers: ‘We’re Good On Paper’ [Yahoo Sports]
The NBA is Back! Training Camps Open for Heat, Clippers, Celtics, Mavs [ProBasketballTalk]
Dooling and Repressing Memories [Celtics Talk]
Neither Ray Allen, Dwyane Wade at 100 Percent. Yet. [ProBasketballTalk]
#NBARank from 1-500 [ESPN]
Rasheed Wallace Likely to Join Knicks [Silver Screen and Roll]
NBA Finalizing Flopping Procedures [ESPN]
Team Training Camp Hopefuls [Hoops Hype]
