I always appreciated Kobe for his ability to be able to seemingly lift his level of play above that of everyone else on an almost As Needed basis. He could be going along, being a dominant factor in the game, then Bam! It almost seemed like he flipped a switch and took his abilities to a higher level.

 

That being said, he's such a brooding loner that has never figured out how to integrate himself into a team that it severely hampered his career. Even when you look at the numbers he produced and the accomplishments he had, there was so much more that he could have done if he had found a way to fit himself into a team. Those Shag - Kobe L A teams were as good of an NBA team as maybe ever. They went through the entire 2001 NBA Playoff season only losing one game. One!!! Who does that?!

 

So yes, he's a great player but he will be forever tainted by his inabilities rather than his accomplishments in my mind.

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