Jordan on Kobe (GQ Magazine)

[DC]

This is what Michael Jordan said of Kobe Bryant when he was asked about judging talent from a distance

"No one's going to play the game the way you played it, and you just have to accept that. If I do see that dedication, I recognize it in an instant. I'd say KOBE BRYANT would have some of those characteristics, but a lot of things Kobe does I would never have done."

When the editor asked MJ to elaborate further he said..."That's just an example. I ain't going to go further on that one."

Taken from the latest issue of GQ magazine's 50th anniversary edition. For the Kobe fan, what can you say and for those who hate him, what would you say....I hope this is the right forum for this since we are talking of KOBE BRYANT.

[ex carrabba fan]

Re: Jordan on Kobe (GQ Magazine)

So what exactly is the point of this thread?

[dsheard]

Re: Jordan on Kobe (GQ Magazine)

DC you hit it on the head.... what can u say. I like the fact that he touched on Kobe's dedication. Thats what makes him the killer that he is and it will help him as he continues to grow on and off the court. When it all said and done Kobe will have an great carer and he will be a hall of famer. But, it is only 1 Mike...Nuff said!

[J0nnD0ugh]

Re: Jordan on Kobe (GQ Magazine)

Kobe has always wanted to be the best player he could be. That's a good goal. Problem is, that's his only focus. He has been so self-centered, he doesn't realize he is hurting his own career by being so zeroed in on himself. That single-mindedness prevents him from being one of the top 5 of all time, even though he has the talent, maybe moreso than even Jordan.

And as for Jordan, typical bland comment from him. He never takes a stand on an issue. No matter how benign or critical. Colorful performance, beige comments.

[ex carrabba fan]

Re: Jordan on Kobe (GQ Magazine)

I agree MJ has always been so vanilla. Not everyone's so willing to speak their mind, and I respect that.

As far as Bryant, yeah his mindset has been off since he's entered the league, but in the past year he's shown that he's trying to become a leader. Trying to pick and choose when he dominates the ball. Unfortunately his front office is doing everything they can to WASTE Bryant's prime years by locking the Lakers into salary cap hell with the likes of Brian Cook, Luke Walton, and Vladamir Radmonovic. Trading away Caron Butler for Kwame Brown of all people, and then IMMEDIATELY SIGNING HIM TO AN EXTENSION BEFORE HE PLAYS A MINUTE AS A LAKER. Our drafts have been nothing to write home about. All in all a lackluster effort by Mitch, and Buss.

Also, when Lamar Odom is your second best player, and Luke Walton is your third best, your team has serious personnel issues. Phil's proving that he can't take less talented players and get them deep into the playoffs.

[J0nnD0ugh]

Re: Jordan on Kobe (GQ Magazine)

Trying to pick and choose when he dominates the ball. Unfortunately his front office is doing everything they can to WASTE Bryant's prime years by locking the Lakers into salary cap hell with the likes of Brian Cook, Luke Walton, and Vladamir Radmonovic. Trading away Caron Butler for Kwame Brown of all people, and then IMMEDIATELY SIGNING HIM TO AN EXTENSION BEFORE HE PLAYS A MINUTE AS A LAKER. Our drafts have been nothing to write home about. All in all a lackluster effort by Mitch, and Buss.

Also, when Lamar Odom is your second best player, and Luke Walton is your third best, your team has serious personnel issues. Phil's proving that he can't take less talented players and get them deep into the playoffs.

But doesn't Kobe's have to take @ least part of the blame for that? No vet that can help them score wants to play w/Kobe. Because they know he'll eventually stab them in the back or go on his "dribble-for-:20-until-I-can-get-a-shot-off" posessions.

Then add his feud w/Shaq. He's created the same problem w/LA that Jerry Krause caused in Chicago. FA's tell themselves "if he can't get along w/the guys that brought the team multiple titles, how's he going to get along w/me?".

In comparison, players were willing to take less dollar & take on a lesser role to play w/Jordan. Because they knew MJ realized team success would heighten his own personal legend. Kobe just began to have the light turned on last season. Maybe he can recreate the image he's put out there. But what we have coming into the season is a guy who has had a personal feud now w/every individual that's involved w/the Lakers. Ownership, management, coaches, teammates.

As of now, Kobe is coming to the conclusion that scoring titles & highlight reels isn't making people call him the greatest ever, even if he is the most talented.

[Leahmic223]

Re: Jordan on Kobe (GQ Magazine)

I agree MJ has always been so vanilla. Not everyone's so willing to speak their mind, and I respect that.

As far as Bryant, yeah his mindset has been off since he's entered the league, but in the past year he's shown that he's trying to become a leader. Trying to pick and choose when he dominates the ball. Unfortunately his front office is doing everything they can to WASTE Bryant's prime years by locking the Lakers into salary cap hell with the likes of Brian Cook, Luke Walton, and Vladamir Radmonovic. Trading away Caron Butler for Kwame Brown of all people, and then IMMEDIATELY SIGNING HIM TO AN EXTENSION BEFORE HE PLAYS A MINUTE AS A LAKER. Our drafts have been nothing to write home about. All in all a lackluster effort by Mitch, and Buss.

Also, when Lamar Odom is your second best player, and Luke Walton is your third best, your team has serious personnel issues. Phil's proving that he can't take less talented players and get them deep into the playoffs.

Phil does a hell of a job though with what he has IMO.

Any ways, when you put Kobe and Jordan in a topic it usually doesn't end up well.

[KG]

Re: Jordan on Kobe (GQ Magazine)

yeah talent wise there is no way the Lakers should have the records they have the past couple of years. A true testament to Phil's coaching IMO.

I think the only difference in what MJ has done compared to Kobe is that Kobe has voiced his displeasure through the media. There is no doubt in my mind that behind closed doors MJ was running sh*t and instrumental in the all moves the Bulls made once they were title contenders.

As much as I respect MJ for his on the court accomplishments I think it's crazy how he is held in such high regard as he could do no wrong with the media.

I guess it has come full circle on MJ since his days in the front office with the Wiz.

[GSW]

Re: Jordan on Kobe (GQ Magazine)

whyd you have to post this.

Seriously.

[GSW]

Re: Jordan on Kobe (GQ Magazine)

Trading away Mitch Richmond for Billy Owens of all people. Our drafts have been nothing to write home about... All in all a lackluster effort by St. Jean, and Cohan.

Also, when Larry Hughes is your second best player, and Mookie Blaylock is your third best, your team has serious personnel issues...

Ooops.

Welcome to my world son... Its called Mediocrity, youll be here for awhile.

[SPTO]

Re: Jordan on Kobe (GQ Magazine)

Am I having Deja Vu or did Michael Jordan make comments regarding Kobe just last year or so in GQ and there was a huge thread about it?

I wish we'd just let this topic die.

[ex carrabba fan]

Re: Jordan on Kobe (GQ Magazine)

Ooops.

Welcome to my world son... Its called Mediocrity, youll be here for awhile.

LMA. Nice. At least yall didn't sign Billy Owens to an extension before he even donned a Warrior uni. Right?

[CMH]

Re: Jordan on Kobe (GQ Magazine)

Again with Jordan saying something about Kobe?

I swear we get one of these every 6 months.

[ex carrabba fan]

Re: Jordan on Kobe (GQ Magazine)

I just don't understand the need to start threads about Bryant this often. 75% of the threads just turn into:

A. Kobe's selfish, arrogant, he forced Shaq out
B. Kobe>MJ or vice versa
C. Kobe's a ballhog
D. All of the above

[luv_mist]

Re: Jordan on Kobe (GQ Magazine)

Because it's one of the only topics to get posters conversating about. I like the Kobe v. Mike arguments because I can tell who's the youngster on the site. Can tell a lot about a poster by what he posts.......