Kobe Bryant has been one of the main talking points in the media this week after an article was released questioning whether he is the reason for the Los Angeles Lakers’ downfall. For his part, Kobe basically ignored the article, saying it won’t be the last one, and it’s part of a media cycle.
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Many have come to Kobe’s defense, such as Lakers season-ticket holder Flea, who was backed by former Lakers coach Phil Jackson. Now Lakers part-owner Jeanie Buss has spoken out, calling people who don’t want to play with Kobe ‘losers’ in a SportsCenter interview according to Chris Dempsey of the Denver Post:
Jeanie Buss: "Any free agent that would be afraid to play w/Kobe Bryant is probably a loser and I’m glad they wouldn’t come to the team."
— Chris Dempsey (@dempseypost) October 23, 2014
Very strong words from the owner, but this ESPN The Magazine article has really brought out many strong responses, including from Indiana Pacers star Paul George, who flat out denied everything in the article having to do with him.
There have been a number of former teammates who have had excellent things to say about Kobe, including his current teammates. Jeremy Lin says he has never had someone help him like Kobe has, and rookie Julius Randle has been taken under Bryant’s wing.
Kobe’s attitude has been well-publicized, but his desire to win is greater than almost everyone in the history of the NBA, and it’s the reason he has been so successful in this league.
[divide]Lakers Post-Game: Julius Randle, ‘I Don’t Want To Be The Next Shaq, I Want To Be Kobe.’