Why you can and cannot hate Kobe Bryant

Kobe bashers can say all that you want, Lakers haters can say all that you want, but in the end, you're either a proud [enter team here] fan or a mere ignorant basketball observer (not a fan). There is no gray area in between.

I know. That was a pretty bold statement. But let's be real, if you don't like Kobe and you can't fit yourself into one of those two categories, you're just kidding yourself.

Firstly, if you are a fan of any other team in the NBA, you most likely despise Kobe. Why? He's not human-- he can shred any defense and drop 50 points in any given night. You hate that he has the most polished offensive game in the league; he will beat you off the dribble, in the post, shooting pull-up jumpers, 30' three-pointers, slashing, and anything and everything else in between. You hate that you can't stop him on offense and you cannot stand that he can suffocate your best offensive weapon on the defensive end. And you know what? That's a perfectly legitimate reason-- it is natural to hate the opposing team's skilled players. Why do you think people don’t give a hoot about the Memphis Grizzlies?

However, if your disdain for Kobe is not because of his ability to destroy any defense, you can hardly call yourself a basketball fan. I do admit, Kobe did not have the best track record off the court with all of his legal issues and highly publicized quarrels with his teammates. But has Kobe not changed and matured for the better? This 2007-08 season, Kobe passed, socialized with his team, credited his teammates for his success, openly involved his family, and done everything else to improve his team and himself. Kobe approached his personality like basketball; he took his weak points and elevated them to superstar levels.

Kobe Bryant has done everything in his power to become a better person and a better teammate; he is the NBA’s feel-good story waiting to be told. And despite all the haters denouncing his efforts and vilifying his name, Kobe keeps working, keeps improving, and keeps persevering. So ignorant people everywhere, continue talking, hating, heckling-- the MVP doesn’t hear you.

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Chris Paul actually went to college. Didn't learn any etiquette.

Now, I know that Chris Paul is the next Isiah Thomas, Oscar Robertson, best point guard of his time and all of that. I hear it close to everyday thanks to all you bandwagon jumpers. I mean, guys come on, where was the love last year when he was strutting his stuff in Oklahoma City?? I know all you fantasy basketball players were right on the money with this guy. (This brings up an entirely different topic of how telling statistics really are. Because, if you followed Paul's statistics you could tell he was a star in the blooming.) Anyways, back to the main topic.

Chris Paul is so great, Chris Paul can have my babies, Chris Paul for MVP over Kobe Bryant (are you kidding me? Give me a break ESPN. Seriously.) I have one video clip that will make you rethink your love for Chris Paul 5 times over. One where Chris Paul deliberately punches another man's (Julius Hodge's) sensitive parts. Don't believe me? Then watch the video. Make sure you stay patient. It's a long clip.





And, for those of you who think "it was an accident!" or whatnot. Just know that the NCAA suspended him for his deliberate actions.

And on that note, if anyone should be loving Chris Paul right now it is Tony Parker. This intense competition between them has taught mon ami Tony how to assist. We already knew he was a top 5 finisher in the NBA. And believe it or not, Tony Parker is only 3 years older than Chris Paul.

Disclaimer: I actually really like Chris Paul, but it's always fun to play the contrarian. Cheers to years of a true rivalry between Paul and Parker.

And just for fun. Here's another questionable Chris Paul video.

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