SWEET, SHAQ-LESS SUCCESS
06/15/2009
Let me start with a warning - I am a Kobe fan ...(I know a lot of people out there aren't!).
If you've read issue one of my magazine, Fadeaway, you'll know that we had LeBron on the cover and as the main article. Yet in that piece, I argued that Kobe is still the best player in the game. I think this post-season has just re-enforced that.
For the last three or four years (at least), Kobe has been the best player in the league - without question, in my view. Yet people have still hated.
"Yeah....but can he win a ring without Shaq?"
"He's selfish"
Well how'd you like them apples, huh?
This fourth ring is undoubtedly the sweetest for Kobe, as it has no "with Shaq" asterisk next to it. By winning it, Mamba has finally silenced those people who thought he couldn't do it without the Diesel.
"It felt like a big old monkey was off my back," he said last night.
"It felt so good to be able to have this moment."
Even Shaq had to show love. This was his Twitter update following the Lakers' victory:
"Congratulations kobe, u deserve it. You played great. Enjoy it my man enjoy it. And I know what yur sayin rt now "Shaq how my ass taste"!
Big up Kobe....and let's not forget the Zen-meister, Phil Jackson, who in winning his 10th ring (TEN!!!) has now surpassed Red Aucherbach to become the coach with the most championship wins.
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Graham - Tuesday, June 16th
I too am a kobe fan and it is more relief then joy to watch him get the ring and the finals MVP. The question is, Jordan won four rings in his thirties and with the two in comparable physical shape, can we see Kobe winning anymore after this?
In my opinion the lakers will be even more assured but without the pressure that they faced having not won in 7 years. Kobe will be more relaxed which is a scary thought if he keeps working as hard as he does but playing a little looser.
The greatest of all time he may not be, but one of the greatest he is now for sure.
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plinko - Monday, June 15th
I agree. It's been a long time coming, and maybe after last year people weren't sure he still had it in him but he did. At least now people can talk about how great he is (oh the current rage http://www.newsy.com/videos/entitled) rather than if he is great at all.
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