Kobe is still one of the Greatest!!!!

Kobe is still one of the greatest players ever to play the game of basketball. He could arguably be the No.2 player of all time behind Michael Jordan or atleast in the top 5 when you consider Magic, Bird, Wilt,Kareem etc. His knack for getting the baskets at the right time, his ability to play defense, his mind blowing moves and most of all his hard work ethics and pure talent. These skill sets have all been achieved or mastered even though he does have raw pure energy and talent.

What I don't get about Kobe is why the media/press seem to be out there to get him even if he makes the tiniest of mistakes. Look at the NBA Finals for example. People give so much hype and attention towards Pierce from the Celtics but Pierce ain't nothing without KG and Allen. If KG and Allen played for Lakers and Pau Gasol/Odom for Celtics - I bet there would have only been 4 games and you know who the winner is.

It seems like people expect Kobe to win on his own and if he does not, then they are ready with the blame game. Having been frustrated at how some of his team mates were playing, you got to give him so leniency too. Pau Gasol was playing as if he could not lift a single dumb bell. Odom was committing fouls on the offensive end with "charging", and Derek Fisher never showed up like he did with the Jazz last year. The two Eastern European players well - lets leave them out. This is not Kobe's fault.

But one thing is for sure. Kobe has matured and you could see it from the press conference after Game 6. I hope the team goes into the off season and works on their defense and "roughness". If that can be done, Bynum being back and they trade someone to get an "actual Machine" that can shoot 3 pointers at will - than you have an excellent team in the making for a few more years to go. I would go to the extent of getting a veteran player who can play good defense, a bit taller than Derek Fisher as well. Pau Gasol seems like he can learn to play rough and hard and Odom definetly adds some blend.

Hopefully the Lakers are back!!! And Don't Blame Kobe if they are not!!!!