Love him or hate him, there is no greater competitor in the NBA right now than Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant.
While some other self-indulgent ball players are busy making cameos in music videos or pushing documentaries, Kobe has been doing one thing: winning.
During his 13 years in the NBA, Kobe has won four NBA championships (2000-2002, 2009), two scoring titles (2006-2007), an Olympic gold medal (2008), one MVP award (2008) and earned the 2nd highest scoring game in NBA history (81 points against the Toronto Raptors on Jan 2, 2006).
And best of all, Kobe does it without smiling.
While some players tell jokes on the foul line and hug during games, Kobe is focused on the task of winning ball games and only that. Sure, he might greet and exchange handshakes pre-game, but he is all business as soon as the ball tips.
Also, I don’t think any player wants to win more than Kobe.
He’s at his absolute best during the last four minutes when the game is on the line, a time when most star players shy away from the spotlight.
LeBron James, last year’s MVP and Kobe’s Olympic teammate, said during a March 2009 “60 Minutes” interview that Kobe is the best player in basketball.
What?
That’s exactly why Kobe is better than LeBron, because Kobe is too much of a competitor to ever say anyone is better than him.
I’m so glad we have Kobe in the league right now to show these youngsters what the business is.
So the next time you’re flipping channels and happen upon a Lakers game, I suggest you take a second to appreciate the greatness that is Kobe.
To describe Kobe as a competitor, I need to steal a phrase from former WWF wrestler Bret Hart, “He is the best there is, the best there was and the best there ever will be.”