i cannot give kobe props. Because he isn't gracefully accepting a new role, based upon his physical limitations, in order to make the team better.
He COULD become derek fisher, focusing upon hitting big shots after coming off the bench rested. Teach the youngin's all game long, be a leader. INSTEAD, he's running himself ragged chasing people while playing big minutes, too tired to make those awkward forced shots, and still ball hogging.
Kobe is everything WRONG with the NBA. He SHOULD be a dignified player with a lesser role. LA would be packed with talent dying to play there. Let someone else be the MAN, and you just come in for big shots and lead from the bench. But no, his ego forces him to drag them down, throwing up wild shots in frustration, still searching for those glory days.
I watched the 1st half last night. Kobe still had some neat moments, did a nice steal based on experience... but just too tired, too slow, forcing everything while these young players with the legs and stamina couldn't get the ball cause he's forcing awkward 19 foot jump shots with 2 dudes draped on him.