Kobe Bryant’s Tirade: Motivating or Intimidating?

Nov 23, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) reacts after missing a basket as heads down court in the second half of the game against the Denver Nuggets at Staples Center. Nuggets won 101-94. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Kobe Bryant called his teammates “soft as Charmin” at practice on Thursday and he wasn’t lying about either.

The Lakers lack of talent is evident, but what’s more troubling is their lack of fight.

Similar to last season when Nick Young complained that his teammates didn’t come to his aid in a scuffle in Phoenix, Lakers fans got a preview of this squad’s grit, or lack thereof, when Kobe and Dwight Howard faced off on opening night. Fighting is not the answer, but when your toughest player is your elder statesmen, it signals weakness in a team.

Maybe Kobe’s comments towards Howard, “you’re soft,” was actually directed at his own teammates.

If you expect Bryant to change his demeanor in his 19th season in the league you’re delusional. He is who he is. That’s why fans love and hate him at the same time.

Kobe knew exactly what he was doing at practice with the cameras on. The Lakers as a team are soft. They’re probably great husband and father material, but “niceness” isn’t what’s needed on the basketball court to win.

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Bryant has always been the “bad cop” whose gotten on teammates like an army drill sergeant. He’s not afraid to get confrontational in order to increase his chances of winning (just ask Shaq). Kobe will impart wisdom to his peers, but if they don’t execute they’ll feel the Black Mamba’s venom. Bryant expects results from his teammates period. He knows everyone isn’t gifted the same when it comes to talent, but if you lack heart, you’re gonna feel his wrath.

Supposedly the catalyst was Nick Young who told Kobe, “No one in the world can guard me one-on-one.” That went over as well with Bryant as when Magic Johnson told Michael Jordan he was still the best in the 1992 Olympics. Let’s just say the intensity at practice increased slightly that day. If you’re going to talk a big game, you better back it up.

Practice ended with Kobe unleashing an explicatory rant directed towards Mitch Kupchak. Once again the cameras were on, so Kobe knew exactly what he was doing. It’s not the first time Bryant aired his displeasure about the roster with management (2007). In professional sports competition is high and this type of emotional outburst happens more than it gets publicized, but in L.A. where the Lakers are struggling, this is newsworthy.

The tirade is what gets attention, but the message is clear: Mitch, get me some help.

Sincerely,

Kobe Bryant