With the argument that Kobe cannot win a championship without Shaq being refuted, Kobe is patiently enduring new criticism coming from all directions.
Kobe has read the false media speculation claiming that the Lakers team is internally falling apart while teammates begin to defy Kobe's leadership.
Kobe has heard the rumors that Phil Jackson is considering leaving his head coaching job with the Lakers due to disagreements with owner Jerry Buss.
Kobe has seen NBA analysts arguing that his body is succumbing to old age and the wear-and-tear of 14 NBA seasons.
Most of all, Kobe knows that millions of people have already throned LeBron as the new king of basketball, and scowls at the notion that the Cleveland superstar has supposedly surpassed him as the world's best active basketball player.
But through all of this fresh criticism, Kobe Bryant has chosen to remain quiet and let his team's play on the court speak for his accomplishments.
Said Bryant, “When you’re young, [you think], ‘Enough is enough. I’m going to say something.’ And all of a sudden…”
"Everything negative—pressure, challenges—is all an opportunity for me to rise."
The truth is, according to one close confidant of No. 24, Kobe Bryant is eager to face LeBron James in this year's NBA Finals and would like nothing more than to disprove all his critics.
Kobe isn't pursuing some type of global empire, nor does he seek to become an international basketball icon. Kobe doesn't want to be the next Jordan, nor does he want to be acknowledged by Jordan.
"I don't want to be the next Michael Jordan, I only want to be Kobe Bryant."
Rather, all Kobe is concerned with is establishing his legacy alongside the greats by accumulating as...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
