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Brad,
I would like to know how Kobe is immature.
At 22, he shows more poise than athletes who are in their 30s.
I would be even willing to say he is the most mature 22 year old professional athlete in sports.
He has a swagger about himself, but he knows what he wants, and speaks well beyond his years.
In the face of serious criticism all year, Kobe never once fired back at his critics, he just let his play during the playoffs speak. He could of taken shots at Phil Jackson for saying he rigged bball games in high school. He could of slammed the countless media figures who were making him sound like a bad guy.
But he didn't.
That's maturity.
The whole Shaq/Kobe feud was a minor issue, but it became a major issue due to the media. It was blown out of proportion completely.
I wouldn't say both players are great friends. But they respect eachother, and thats all you can ask out of a teammate.
I find it funny how you speak of maturity and then talk about your respect for Karl Malone.
I respect how long Malone has been able to play at a high level, and his ability but thats as far as it goes.
Malone for years has been the master of cheapshots, and dirty play. That is his trademark as much as that fadeaway 15 footer.
The reason Malone and Stockton never griped about who gets the glory is because both never had the ability of a Shaq or Kobe.
Stockton made his mark as a passer, and Malone made his mark with a medium range jumper and in the post.
Thats how they compliment eachother. Stockton is in essence the quarterback and Malone is the receiver. One has to get the ball to the other.
Shaq and Kobe are both prolific scorers in this league. Thats how they have made their reputation. You expect personality conflicts if you have been the go-to guy your whole life.
Thats the nature of competitive sports.
But now both players have found a way to co-exist and could become the most dominant playoff team in NBA history.
As a fan of the Lakers, I'm not ashamed of that.
Malone and Stockton have co-existed forever, and have never been good enough to get a ring. If I was a Jazz fan, that would give me a lot to be ashamed of. Having two of the top 50 players ever on your roster for the last 10+ years, and never have enough juice to win it all.
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