As a life-long Portlander and diehard Blazer fan, he is on top of my most disliked athlete list and a "public enemy" to the city.
There is no doubting his talent; Kobe is one of the best players of our generation, if not all time. He is an unparalleled NBA talent in the league today in terms of killer instinct—and his ability to carry a team on his shoulders at the end of a game during "Mamba Mode."
However, his bravado and the way he carries himself is a completely different story. For the numerous reasons listed below, it just rubs me the wrong way. Think of this article as a light-hearted commentary (with a few soft jabs) on his career, that hopefully both Laker and Blazer fans can enjoy.
On Court
Coming out of Lower Merion High School in Pennsylvania, Kobe was by far the number one prep player in the nation. He played literally every position on the floor for his team on the way to the state title as a senior—averaging 30 points, 12 rebounds, 6 assists, 4 steals, and 4 blocks along the way. Bryant was a special talent on the prep level, and then the Lakers' GM, Jerry West, took notice.
When Kobe was part of the heralded 1996 NBA Draft, alongside numerous NBA big names, he was a story anyone could root for. Young kid who is the son of a former NBA player, grew up in Italy, speaks the language, and plays hard. He was (and still is) a gym rat who took notes on past NBA greats and was committed to winning at a young age.
There were even stories that he beat the Philadelphia 76ers' 1995 top pick Jerry Stackhouse in a game of one-on-one when he was still in high school.
Upon entering the draft, he was taken by the Charlotte Hornets at 13th overall, and traded to the Lakers for Vlade Divac shortly...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
