Kobe Bryant is a five-time NBA champion and one-time league MVP. He has a killer instinct not unlike Michael Jordan, which in this town once got him in trouble. During the 2001 NBA Finals, Kobe said the Lakers were going to rip the Sixers hearts out.
He wasn't lying. When the Sixers lost the series in five games and Bryant was crowned a champion on the Sixers' home floor, it was a heartbreaking end to an awesome season.
The following year, when Philadelphia hosted the NBA All-Star game and Bryant was named the game's MVP, he was booed heartily by the crowd.
The older I get the more I appreciate coming back and playing, Kobe said Monday before scoring 28 points -- but only four in the second half -- in a 95-90 loss to the Sixers (see Lynam's Instant Replay). But as far as an apology for saying I am going to come here and kick some ass, I am not going to do it. But I certainly embrace the city and love everything its taught me.
Bryant reminds Doug Collins of Michael Jordan, whom Collins coached for five seasons -- three in Chicago and two in Washington.
I went to an Olympic practice one day and I closed my eyes and I was listening and it was like I was listening to Michael Jordan out there, Collins said. When Kobe was practicing, the things he was saying, all the chatter. I smiled and I thought how those guys separate themselves from others.
Added Bryant: It just means that we are both expletive because the stuff I was saying, I assure you, most of it wasnt complimentary. I appreciate it. Obviously we are leaders in our own style that is not necessarily popular with a lot of people, but gets some pretty good results.
E-mail Dei Lynam at dlynam@comcastsportsnet.com