The Legacy of Kobe Bryant

An NBA Legend has announced his retirement. Now, Kobe Bryant is on his farewell tour after 20 storied NBA Seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers. Bryant has been one of the most polarizing and influential stars in NBA History. On one side, you have those who love and adore him for his brilliance on the court along with his many accolades (5 rings, 2 Finals MVP's, etc). On another side, there are those who revile him like a classic wrestling villain such as Ric Flair for a number of reasons. There are fans that don't like his imitations of MJ (another story), his selfishness, his scandal from Colorado and how he was the main reason for Shaquille O'Neal being forced out of LA. Then, you have those in the middle who look for a fine line to draw between his greatness as a player and his frosty attitude.

No matter what, Kobe Bryant was a player made for the spotlight as he has created a fan base that is similar to a cult like following. Although Kobe is heavily criticized for his direct imitation of His Airness, he has also carved his very own unique place among NBA History. From the time that he first became a starter for the Lakers in 1998-99, Kobe has evolved tremendously into a more complete all-around player. As we all know, Shaq was Batman in Hollywood for the Lakers while Kobe was Robin. Eventually, Kobe transformed into Nightwing. Just like Dick Grayson, Kobe turned on the Leader of the Dynamic Duo. As we know, the rest is history. Bryant went through his share of turmoil in those three years without Shaq before the Lakers poached Pau Gasol out of Memphis as Bryant desperately needed a new Big Man to take some of the weight off of him. Bryant would later win two more championships, but this time as the leader of the pack. Even though Shaq was the leading cause of most of Kobe's championships, Bryant has transformed into a true alpha dog star in his own right. Many have argued that Kobe should have more than 1 MVP Award. Even Shaq himself believes that Kobe should have more MVP's along with himself. Instead, Steve Nash has two, but that's none of my business.

Kobe is currently third all-time in Career Total Points, as he is the only player to ever play 20 Seasons for one NBA Franchise. Kareem spent his first 6 Seasons in Milwaukee before playing 14 Seasons in the Lakers Purple and Gold. Bryant holds many team records from points, minutes, games, steals, etc. Bryant's hand prints are all over the teams record books. His longevity is remarkable along with his fearlessness and competitive will to win. His resume, track record and persona have all kept him among the elite for many years. Over the course of his career, Kobe has practically reinvented himself. When you talk about legends that defined their generation and transcend history, Kobe's name is in that discussion. Next to Tim Duncan and Shaquille O'Neal, Kobe Bryant is one of the superstar players that shaped the 2000's Decade of NBA Basketball.

When I think of the Legacy of Kobe Bryant, I think of someone who graduated from being the sidekick to a megastar. I think of someone that has added layers to his game and has become a chameleon in the NBA. On the other hand, I also think of someone who has let his ego get the best of him and his team many times, especially near the end. Someone who was too caught up in himself to the point that he ran off another Alpha Dog Player that was the Key to their initial success. Still, I have to respect his commitment to excellence and wanting to be the best competitor that he could be. The Legacy of Kobe Bryant is that of a very Complex Genius. Complex, but still regarded as a Genius nonetheless. Despite his flaws, nobody can take away Kobe's legacy and what he has meant to the Game of Basketball.