How much damage did the Mavs-Lakers series do to Kobe's legacy?

Question

I don't care that Gasol didnt play well in the series. If Kobe is the best player in the post-Jordan era like his fans claim then he should have been able to elevate his game and find a way to get his team out of the second round of the playoffs against a team whose second best player is Jason Terry. But he couldn't even win his team a single game.

Kobe played terribly in Game 7 of the Finals last year but Gasol stepped up, put the team on his shoulders and carried the Lakers to a championship. But when Gasol struggled in this series Kobe was unable to return the favor. This just further reinforces the perception that Shaq and Gasol were more important components of the Lakers' championship runs than Kobe ever was.

Obviously this won't change how Lakers fans view Kobe's legacy. They think Kobe's 81 point game proves he is better than Jordan. But for everyone else, will this change the way you view Kobe Bryant as a basketball player?

Answer 1

Not too much. Kobe is still a five time champion, which is more than many other great players can say. Kobe was a big part of all 5 championships. Kobe is a prolific scorer. When discussing the all time greats, people talk about the good things, and not too much the bad. There are a lot of good things that Kobe has done in his career.

For your last question, no. I thought Kobe was overrated before, and I still do.

Answer 2

well the Is kobe better than jordan conversation ENDS now. after this series...



and that kobe is clutch connotation stops now, he hasnt been producing in the 4th quarter...



his legacy as a champion will not be tarnished but some of his so called rep, as a defender, a closer, a clutch performer, and a leader may have to take a hit on this...



1. if he was a great defender how come the threes kept raining? where was he on the D? for all the kobe is a great lockdown D i rarely see him D up on the primary scorer, always on the SF, or the PG, or the nth option on offense.

2. IF he was so clutch and a good closer why did he disappear when his team needed him in game 3? where was he in game 1 and 2? why did he let his team or himself lose that lead?



3. leadership... i don't think he's an effective leader he should have straightened gasol out.. and should have addressed his team mates, seeing how the series ended odom and bynum cheapshots yeah theres your champs right there bunch of thugs.



I have watched the 04, 08 and now 11 playoffs of the lakers, and I have never seen such meltdowns happen... he is a prolific scorer and player no doubt about that.. but some of his attributes are way overblown by the media..

Answer 3

I think it does hurt his legacy, especially when comparing him to Michael. Putting up 23 ppg, 3 rpg, and 2 apg against the Dallas Mavericks?? I fully expected a game 4 win from the Lakers, I expected Kobe to step up when his team faced elimination. 17 Points, 5 turnovers, 0/5 from 3? So again, I think it does affect his legacy, but not drastically.

And might I point out, Kobe scored 81, 12 more than MJ's 69. However, Michael had 18 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals as well. Kobe? To go along with the 81, he had six rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals. He shot 60.8% MJ shot 62.1%. Decide for yourself.

Answer 4

It didn't really, Kobe's getting old, and more important, is pretty damaged(his finger is like an 81 year-old, his knee's bad, and he keeps spraining his ankles), so he won't be able to run enough production to carry the team.



It probably did bring some delusional fanboys back down to Earth, that believed Kobe was super-human. And it does show, that Kobe isn't on Jordan's level, or ever was.



So it probably brought back some reality, in the Kobe conversation, but it doesn't damage his legacy, he's a great player.

Answer 5

Im not answering this, but you say the mavs second best player is jason terry like it is nothing.. if kobe shot 9/10 from three point you would be on his bandwagon in a heartbeat, but terry does it and its no big deal to you.. stop talking about last year, and realize one person cant win a championship.

Answer 6

Let the clown with a frown break it down,



Let just say over the last couple of years starting with last year playoffs and especially game 7 of the finals that Jordan and Kobe comparison has been dwindling quite a bit.



The clown with a frown has just broke it down

Answer 7

Kobe will always be a "Pippen".



This series again, proves that, along with last years Finals. Without Gasol being top dog, the Lakers don't stand a chance. And it was obvious (besides the Kobe jockers) that Shaq dominated the 1st 3-peat, with Horry and Fisher hitting big shots.



Kobe didn't just have a bad series, his whole season was turrrble.

Answer 8

I think it did hurt his legacy. Not so much for how he played, but how the Lakers behaved.

Answer 9

Because Kobe sucks dick at bball!

Answer 10

No, one playoff series won't tarnish his rep.

Answer 11

Absolutely none!!!

Answer 12

it hurt a little for sure..he looks old or injured.

Answer 13

as much as you like

Answer 14

None, they'll be back!