Time for a confession: I heart Kobe

Links (2)

First Cup: Friday
Published 5/16/2008 at ESPN.com - True Hoop - Blog
... Brad Rock of the Deseret News: "Admittedly, the man has a world class smirk. And the chest- pounding and and shirt-tugging can certainly be annoying. He demanded to be traded last year if the Lakers didn't surround him with better talent. He called Jazz fans classless when they booed Derek Fisher. Still, if you've been around Bryant at all this post-season, you have to ask: Why do so many people hate this man? He has excellent hygiene. Doesn't swear in public -- much. Reportedly he's quick to pick up the lunch tab for teammates. He's polite, articulate ...

The Closer?
Published 5/16/2008 by kambrothers at Lakers Blog
Utah is not a friendly place for visiting teams , and as recent (Games 3 and 4) history and a longer view bears out, that would include the Lakers . But the good news is that there's only one team in the building for tonight's Game 6 of the Western Conference semis that has to win to keep the series alive, and it ain't L.A. If the purple and gold do not do, they will not die. The same can't be said for the Jazz, who are up against the wall and still stinging from what they see as a missed opportunity to steal Game 5 at Staples . The Lakers, of course, would just as soon polish them off. To do that, ...