Kobe Bryant: From Malcontent to MVP, How 2008 Changed What You Thought of Him

He’s been viewed as arrogant, but entitled. Gifted, but greedy. At times he has been a leader of men. At times his immaturity got in the way.       

The “Air” apparent, some might claim. To others, all he’ll ever be is an alleged rapist.

Kobe Bean Bryant has spent the majority of his career forcing NBA fans to choose between loving or loathing the star athlete from Lower Merion High School.  Unfortunately for Bryant, over the last few seasons it became increasingly easier to pick the latter.

Since the trade of Shaquille O’Neal, each Lakers season has had a more disappointing ending than the latest Indiana Jones movie. Without a quality supporting cast, Bryant’s frustration grew until he publicly demanded to be traded from the team. 

While some of his points were valid, Bryant’s image was tarnished. Kobe became the co-worker next to you that always complains about how he’s doing everything and everyone else is slacking off.  The guy that is sure that no one else works as hard or does as much as he does.

Annoying. 

Self-centered. 

Irritating.

And then there’s Colorado...

The sexual assault case against Bryant concluded in September of 2004 when the accuser dropped the charges. In today’s three-second-memory-span culture, 2004 was a long time ago.  The world has mostly forgotten, and with the Lakers winning again, no one is in any hurry to remember. 

Unfortunately, it seems more common than not to hear of sports figures in trouble with the law. As long as an athlete admits some guilt, the sports world is more than willing to forgive and forget.

Then came the trade for Pau Gasol.

NBA fans no longer had to endure Bryant’s tantrums, thus allowing them exposure to the more appealing sides of Kobe’s personality. 

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?