December 23, 2004

Bill Simmons says Kobe needs to embrace the Dark Side: I say right on.

posted by Mike McD to basketball at 01:25 PM - 7 comments

I had to comment on this idea. Would anyone be opposed to this? Especially if Kobe wins some games? Would there be anyone more fun to hate? I'm reminded of a passage in Darcy Frey's 'The Last Shot' where Stephon Marbury (a H.S. freshman at the time) was mocking his teamate: "you know power forwards got to dribble and shoot" Stephon said in his richly condescending voice "You been working on that"? Stephon handed him a paper cup and suggested he throw it out for him... Kobe could pull that routine on Shaq. Start saying Shaq's doesn't know how to dribble or shoot, say Shaq's too stupid to even learn how to make a free throw. Claim that he's the reason they won three rings and Shaq won't win without him. You know that's what Kobe wants to say that. How much fun would it be to watch them play after that?

posted by Mike McD at 01:33 PM on December 23, 2004

How about putting a steel cage around half-court, and have them play 1 on 1 at halftime Saturday? No refs, no fouls, just straight-up street 1 on 1. As Simmons would say, "this needs to happen."

posted by MeatSaber at 01:54 PM on December 23, 2004

No refs, no fouls, just straight-up street 1 on 1 Kobe would die.

posted by dusted at 02:02 PM on December 23, 2004

Watching Kobe and Shaq fight to the death isn't that interesting. Shaq would obviously win. What is interesting is a basketball game. I think Kobe has an advantage because he's a guard ... he's got the ball in his hands. I would love to see the Lakers try to play this angle. Focus on denying Shaq the ball and let Kobe score a lot. And have the other Lakers slip in some condescending comments like "wow, Kobe's really schooling you". I'm pretty sure they could tempt Shaq into going *Artest* of national TV.

posted by Mike McD at 03:08 PM on December 23, 2004

Kobe IS the dark side.

posted by roberts at 03:59 PM on December 23, 2004

I really dont care about what Kobe is or what he does. I dont care about Shaq v Kobe. Its been over hyped. Its just a way to tear people away from holiday plans to watch a meaningless NBA game> Merry Christmas- darn it

posted by daddisamm at 08:26 AM on December 24, 2004

I won't be watching either, but my prediction? Kobe will get half the Lakers' points. If he gets to 10 assists, I'll be shocked. The Heat will hoist Kobe by the chip on his shoulder, and hang him to dry. Shaq will get 20 and 20, and the Heat win by a dozen.

posted by chicobangs at 01:00 PM on December 24, 2004

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