NBA PLAYERS EXPOSED FOR HATING ON KOBE BRYANT AFTER HIS DEATH

Since Kobe Bryant’s tragic death on January 26, 2020, in a helicopter crash that also claimed the lives of his daughter Gianna and seven others, the basketball world has grappled with how to honor his legacy. A five-time NBA champion, 18-time All-Star, 2008 MVP, and one of the most iconic figures in sports history, Bryant’s career with the Los Angeles Lakers from 1996 to 2016 is undeniably elite. Yet, in the years following his passing, a growing chorus of fans, analysts, and social media voices has engaged in debates that some perceive as disrespectful to his accomplishments. From ranking him outside the top 10 all-time to downplaying his efficiency and impact compared to peers like LeBron James and Michael Jordan, this article explores why Kobe’s career faces scrutiny and whether such criticism constitutes disrespect.

The Context of Kobe’s Legacy

Kobe Bryant’s résumé speaks for itself: 25.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game over 20 seasons, with shooting splits of 44.7% from the field and 32.9% from three. He won five championships (2000-02, 2009-10), two Finals MVPs, and ranks fourth on the NBA’s all-time scoring list with 33,643 points. His 81-point game in 2006 remains a modern benchmark for individual scoring prowess, and his “Mamba Mentality” inspired a generation of players and fans. Bryant’s work ethic, clutch performances, and global impact cemented him as a cultural icon, particularly in Los Angeles, where the Lakers retired both his No. 8 and No. 24 jerseys.

Despite these accolades, discussions about Bryant’s place in basketball history have grown contentious since his passing. Social media platforms like X, Reddit, and sports talk shows frequently feature debates that question his efficiency, team success, and overall ranking among the all-time greats. Posts on X, such as one from @HoodieTatum in 2024 stating, “Kobe isn’t top 10, his efficiency was mid, and he had Shaq for those early rings,” reflect a sentiment that some fans and analysts use to diminish his legacy. This criticism, often framed as objective analysis, is perceived by many as disrespectful, especially given the timing after his tragic death.

Reasons for the Perceived Disrespect

1. Efficiency Critiques and Analytics Era Bias

   
   

   The rise of advanced analytics has shifted how players are evaluated, and Bryant’s career has been scrutinized through this modern lens. His career true shooting percentage (55.0%) is lower than that of peers like LeBron James (58.9%) or Stephen Curry (62.6%), leading some to label him inefficient. Critics point to seasons like 2005-06, where he averaged 35.4 points on 45.0% shooting, as evidence of high-volume, low-efficiency play. However, this overlooks the context of Bryant’s role on often talent-starved Lakers teams post-Shaquille O’Neal, where he carried an immense offensive load. As ESPN’s Zach Lowe noted, “Kobe’s mid-range game was a product of his era, but he’d adapt to today’s three-point emphasis.” Critics applying modern standards retroactively often ignore Bryant’s ability to dominate in a less analytics-driven NBA.

2. Comparisons to LeBron James and Michael Jordan

   
   

   The ongoing GOAT debate between LeBron James and Michael Jordan frequently sidelines Bryant. LeBron’s longevity, playmaking, and four championships with three teams, combined with Jordan’s 6-0 Finals record and defensive dominance, often place them above Bryant in all-time rankings. Posts on X like @NBACentral’s poll in 2025 asking, “Is Kobe top 5 or top 15?”—with 60% voting top 15—illustrate how some fans rank him below not only Jordan and James but also players like Tim Duncan, Magic Johnson, and even Kevin Durant. This comparative approach can feel dismissive, as it reduces Bryant’s unique impact to a numbers game. Former teammate Lamar Odom countered this on the “All The Smoke” podcast, saying, “Kobe’s five rings and clutch gene get slept on because people love stats over heart.”

3. Shaquille O’Neal’s Role in Early Championships

   
   

   A common critique is that Bryantಮ

System: Bryant’s three championships from 2000 to 2002 are often attributed primarily to Shaquille O’Neal’s dominance, with critics arguing that Kobe was a secondary star. This narrative, amplified on platforms like Reddit’s r/nba, where users debate whether Kobe “rode Shaq’s coattails,” diminishes his contributions. In reality, Kobe averaged 21.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.2 assists in those Finals runs, often guarding the opponent’s best perimeter player. His pivotal performances, like 33 points in Game 6 of the 2000 Western Conference Finals against Portland, were critical to the Lakers’ success. Yet, the perception that Shaq carried the team persists, fueling skepticism about Kobe’s early rings.

4. Posthumous Timing and Social Media Culture

   
   

   The timing of Kobe’s death adds a layer of sensitivity to these debates. Many fans view criticism of his career as disrespectful given his tragic passing at 41, which ended any chance for further contributions to his legacy. Social media’s combative nature amplifies this, with users like @BballForever23 on X in 2025 stating, “Kobe’s overrated, his FG% is worse than Harden’s, and he never won without a superstar big.” Such posts spark backlash from Kobe’s supporters, who argue that his death should elevate respect for his accomplishments, not invite revisionist critiques. The anonymity of online platforms emboldens harsher takes, which can feel personal to fans grieving his loss.

5. The Lakers’ Current Struggles and Narrative Shift

   
   

   The Lakers’ focus on LeBron James and Luka Dončić in 2025 has inadvertently shifted attention away from Kobe’s era. Recent reports of LeBron feeling disrespected by the Lakers’ rebuilding efforts around Dončić highlight a franchise looking forward, which some fans interpret as a slight to Kobe’s legacy. As the Lakers prioritize a new core, discussions on X and sports media often compare Kobe’s era unfavorably to modern stars, with comments like “Kobe wouldn’t survive in today’s spacing-driven game” gaining traction. This narrative overlooks Kobe’s adaptability, as evidenced by his 60-point farewell game in 2016 at age 37.

Is It Disrespect or Fair Critique?

Not all criticism of Kobe’s career is disrespectful. Objective analysis, such as comparing his efficiency to modern stars or debating his all-time ranking, is a natural part of sports discourse. The analytics era has reshaped how players are evaluated, and Kobe’s mid-range-heavy style doesn’t align perfectly with today’s three-point emphasis. However, the tone and timing of some critiques—especially those that downplay his five championships or clutch performances—can feel like piling on, particularly in the wake of his death. As Kobe’s former teammate Shaquille O’Neal said on TNT, “People forget how hard it was to guard Kobe. Numbers don’t tell the whole story.”

The perception of disrespect also stems from the emotional weight of Kobe’s passing. His global impact, from inspiring players like Jayson Tatum to his Oscar-winning storytelling, made him larger than life. Fans on X, like @LakersNation, often respond to criticism with, “Kobe gave everything for this game. Show some respect.” This sentiment reflects a protective instinct to preserve his legacy against what some see as revisionist history.

Countering the Narrative

Kobe’s supporters argue that his intangibles—work ethic, competitiveness, and clutch performances—set him apart. His 81-point game, 12 All-Defensive selections, and ability to lead the Lakers to two titles post-Shaq (explosion in popularity and overall impact, this narrative often ignores the context of the era and the defensive intensity of the game. Kobe’s 81-point outburst against the Raptors in 2006 was a product of a slower-paced, isolation-heavy era, but his ability to deliver in high-pressure moments, like Game 7 of the 2010 NBA Finals, where he outplayed Paul Pierce down the stretch, proves his greatness. Modern analytics may favor efficiency, but Kobe’s ability to take over games, as seen in his 8-for-8 shooting in the fourth quarter of Game 4 against the Spurs in 2009, defies simple metrics.

The Knicks’ hiring of Mike Brown in 2025, despite his defensive pedigree, has drawn parallels to the Lakers’ situation with LeBron James, where a shift in focus to a younger star (Luka Dončić) has sparked tension. While Brown’s defensive schemes could bolster the Knicks’ roster, skepticism about his offensive creativity mirrors doubts about Kobe’s efficiency in today’s game. Yet, Kobe’s adaptability, seen in his late-career embrace of playmaking, suggests he could thrive in any era.

The Path Forward

The skepticism surrounding Kobe’s career is unlikely to fade, as sports debates thrive on comparison and revisionism. However, the line between critique and disrespect lies in intent and delivery. Fans and analysts can honor Kobe’s legacy by focusing on his undeniable impact—five rings, countless clutch moments, and a global influence that endures. As the NBA continues to evolve, the challenge is to contextualize Kobe’s achievements within his era while celebrating his unrelenting drive to be the best. For many, that’s the true measure of the Black Mamba’s greatness.