Kobe's Exit

[Crockett]

As one a little tired of Laker success, I have mixed feelings about Kobe's retirement. The Lakers now spend $25 million, about a third of the NBA Salary cap, for a man whose talents could be replaced by any one of the top 10 ball hogs in the developmental league. Unless their GM has rocks for brains, they will be way better after he is gone.

Not dissing Kobe's pre 2012 career. He was an all-time great player, though in my mind not the lovable character who would inspire me to go to an NBA arena and say "good bye."

The Mav's Dirk Nowitzki has set a pretty admirable example by accepting reduced salaries commensurate with reduced ability over the last few years so he could have better teammates.

 

[VYFan]

I agree completely.
Never liked Kobe and I have a hard time saying why. Except for cheating on his wife one time in Colorado, he's never really caused any major trouble or had criminal problems. And I suppose we would know if he did anything else, because he's been in the public eye his entire life. He's very smart and well-spoken.

Basketball-wise, he played hard, played defense, etc. There's not much not to like, but for whatever reason, I just don't like him.

I would not go to a special farewell tour.

 

[Statalyzer]

I've finally gone from laughing at Kobe to feeling sorry for him. He just physically is not capable of doing it any more.

 

[VYFan]

You may think I'm kidding at first, but I think they could market a mini-seniors league or exhibition. People will go out to watch John McEnroe play Ivan Lendl in 2015; golf does that, too. I think basketball could do something like that. I guess the egos might be too sensitive, but the money might draw them in.