The Curious Case of Kobe Bryant, Part I

"Hate" is a very strong word. In fact, in everyday language, most people use it in a manner that is far different from its intended use. The word is tossed around carelessly and has lost most of its strength and meaning. Hate [heyt] – verb (used with object) : to dislike intensely or passionately. I hate you! I hated that movie. I HATE my parents.

But in some cases, “hate” is used appropriately in a situation that really deserves the full power of the word. One such case is the feelings I harbor towards the Los Angeles Lakers and, more specifically, Kobe Bryant.

My hatred for Kobe & the Lakers goes past that of your traditional rivalry. Yes, Portland and Los Angeles are cities on the west coast, and yes, I'm still a little sensitive 10 years after the most soul crushing quarter of basketball I've ever witnessed. But my distaste towards Kobe is not rooted in his Blazer-killing past or his geography. My animosity towards Bryant transcends sport and has more to do with his off the court persona than it does his play in the arena.

I hate the way Kobe smirks after every basket. I hate the way he talks trash even when no one is listening. I hate his 100% bullsh*t, sugar-coated post-game interviews. I hate how he tries so hard to be like the legends. I even hate the way he throws a towel into an old lady's face (okay, maybe not the last one). In general, I disagree with his flamboyant and disrespectful approach to the game of basketball.

It didn't have to be this way. I love the game of basketball, and I love to see the game played skillfully and gracefully. Because of this I can't help but recognize and admire Kobe's masterful performances on a basketball court. Kobe is a force - a deadly shooter, intelligent, playmaker, vicious finisher and 4th quarter closer all wrapped up in one player. In fact, at one time, Kobe had the tools to be not only a great player, but the icon of a generation - my generation. He's articulate, handsome, clutch, high-flying and a winner.

But somewhere along the way, something went wrong. Despite 4 championships, 1 Regular-Season MVP, 1 Finals MVP and 11 All-Star appearances, the legacy of Kobe Bryant still remains clouded. Where is his place in the history of the game? How will he be remembered? Players and fans around the NBA have a tremendous respect for Bryant, but there are still just as many Kobe haters as there are fans of #24. The truth is, Bryant is one of the most polarizing figures in the NBA, if not all of sports. To figure out why, one must trace Kobe's path from a dusty gym in Ardmore, Pennsylvania in 1995 all the way to a champagne soaked locker room in the Staples Center in June 2009.

Part II Coming Soon