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

It seems as though Kobe’s finally learned that in the course of a game, the difference in the perception of a hero and a glory hound is the willingness to self-sacrifice.

In the past, Kobe would “flip the switch” while walking out to do pre-game warm-ups. This season it seems as though Bryant has developed the patience to wait until the team truly needs him.

Fans no longer have to stomach nightly reruns of the same-old Kobe Show.  Now when he comes to the forefront late in a game, Kobe’s push feels more like the grand finale action sequence in a big budget movie. 

Timing is everything.

For example, in Game 1 versus the Spurs, Bryant scored 25 of his 27 points in the second half. Before taking matters into his own hands, he allowed the Lakers to carry the burden of scoring for over 24 minutes, thus showing a level of maturity that Kobe had yet to display.

The San Antonio Spurs also played a part in the Kobe Bryant turn-around.  Nothing unites two opposing sides, such as Kobe and the fans, like a common enemy. Very few people outside of those on the San Antonio River Walk or those with the last name Longoria-Parker were rooting for the Spurs to go on to the finals.

The Spurs showed that playoff success can be achieved even without a traditional NBA superstar. They have also shown us that watching it is about as riveting as a National Spelling Bee.

The NBA’s lifeline is its superstars. From Russell and Wilt to Kareem and Dr. J to Bird and Magic to Michael and finally now Kobe—when they’re good, the league’s good. Ratings have proven that when teams like the Spurs play in the finals, you’re not watching. Fans want marquee names playing in marquee games. 

After several years without, the NBA Finals have that once again.

Kobe’s success with the Lakers allows a 46-year-old fan in Oregon the chance to relive the great NBA finals between Boston and L.A. The 15-year-old kid from South Carolina gets the chance to see a clash of two great teams led by the biggest stars in the game. 

The NBA is as much a show as it is a sport, and fans have always loved its dominant players. It’s easy to forget all the reasons you had for not liking Kobe when he reminds you of how unique he is. It is likely that Bryant is the closest player to Jordan that this generation of NBA fans will get to witness. 

With age and maturity comes a sense of self-awareness. Kobe hasn’t had to force his will each night out, and this has given him the opportunity to settle in and find his true game. While his style of play has always been remarkably close to that of Jordan’s, Kobe’s new approach seems to compliment Michael more than just mimic him. 

Without the attitude, the controversy, the “me before we” mentality, or any of the other baggage that used to come with Kobe Bean Bryant, the sport still has one of the most talented athletes it’s ever had, and finally it can enjoy every minute it has left with him.

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