Kobe Bryant remained silent on the internet in regards to the Dwight Howard saga throughout the recruiting process and after Howard made his decision. On Monday, he finally broke the silence, quite emphatically.
I wish d12 the best honestly. I just find it hard to follow players that wanna kick my teams ass #thatsjustme
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) July 9, 2013
Bryant’s comments seem to parallel the story from Adrian Wojnarowski from earlier this week, which revealed the heated debate between Howard and Bryant mid-season. Bryant’s pitch to Howard in the meeting was to allow him to teach Dwight how to be a champion, which Howard shrugged off. Given what we know now, however, the Lakers may be better off in the future without the big man.
That wasn’t the only tweet from Bryant on Monday. As news of Metta World Peace’s impending release from the team via the amnesty provision, Bryant tweeted out his support.
No game 7 win without Metta! This is a tough day for laker nation #misspeace #newcbacasualty
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) July 9, 2013
Personally I'd keep Metta and make a run with the unit we have and just add a few pieces #keepthepeace #lakersstilldeciding
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) July 9, 2013
Kobe certainly has a lot of pull within the franchise, but it’s hard to argue that MWP is worth the $30 million he’d save in luxury tax if he was amnestied. Nevertheless, I’m sure the Lakers will take Bryant’s thoughts and feelings into consideration through the process.