“Brush off them haters”
I love Bill Simmons. It’s safe to say that I have a substantial man crush on him. I’m obviously not the only one. A huge part of why I write and this site exists is a direct result of his prose. Nine times out of ten, I agree with his comments. But when it comes to green, purple and gold, we’re more black and white.
Before we can go any further, I urge you to read Bill Simmons ESPN the Magazine’s article on why he is not a Kobe hater.
Now that we understand Simmons’ views, let me explain why he’s right and wrong. Immediately after reading his article, I felt compelled to email him. Here’s what I wrote…
“Anyone who says you blatantly hate on Kobe is dumb. The only thing you are guilty of is wearing green blinders when it comes to anything purple and gold. It’s not your fault. You have been conditioned to respond this way, just like every Laker fan is programmed to despise Boston. My one problem with your article on why you are not a Kobe hater is the comparison of Lebron’s MSG game. While it’s obvious his line is much more “team” friendly, you conveniently left out Pau’s 31-14-5 (which would not be possible without Kobe making close to every single shot he put up) and Ariza’s 13-8. No doubt you may respond with how crummy New York’s front line is, but it’s the same front court that Lebron played against two nights later. You are 100% right about one thing. Because of who Kobe is, it’s much easier to dislike the guy, then say, Michael Jordan. Jordan would put these kinds of numbers up daily. The problem is that unlike Kobe, the press hid all of Jordan’s indiscretions until after his playing career was over.”
I’m not finished.
Simmons, like many sports writers and fans are always writing and hoping for greatness, the sublime, perfection, but consistently finding ways to knock it once its achieved (unless of course it’s the Red Sox, Celtics or Patriots). The purest reaction to Kobe’s 61 was PTIs Michael Wilbon. He gushed about how sublime the performance was, finishing the segment with one word, Jordan. Exactly. I grew up in the Jordan era and when Jordan was pulling the same feats, we are all in awe. When Kobe does it, its more well how many assists did he have? The man put up 61 points after his team’s starting center’s knee exploded.
Kobe was not being selfish. Kobe was sending a message to his teammates and the rest of the league. Above all, Kobe is mentally stronger than every player in the NBA. His reaction after seeing Bynum collapse to the court was pure disgust for another season potentially down the drain. Simmons is quick to make this point. How would any other competitor react to seeing their season go down in flames? Joy? There’s a reason it’s called a reaction. What Simmons doesn’t say and what Kobe does better than anyone, is bouncing back from adversity. Sure, Kobe can be faulted for not immediately being concerned for Bynum’s health. But he should be revered for quickly putting his emotions aside, picking his teammates up and reminding them that the season is not over. He gave his teammates a glimpse of what someone can do if they are mentally stronger than their opponent.
Sports is 90% mental. You can have all the talent in the world, but if you can’t put it together when it counts, you’re just A-Rod. Not everyone has this ability. That’s why Kobe put up 61. That’s why Dwayne Wade turned to Kobe in the Olympics and told him “It’s Mamba Time.” That’s why Kobe re-asserted his status as favorite to win another MVP. That’s why Lamar Odom all of a sudden thinks he’s Kevin Garnett. That’s why the Lakers finished 6-0 on the road. That’s why Lebron is referred to great and Kobe a killer. That’s why Andrew Bynum will return this season. That’s why the Lakers will not go gently into that good night. And that’s why this year will not be like the last.
To all Kobe haters, please, don’t stop. If you think 61 was selfish, another MVP and Finals trophy must be borderline narcissistic.
