Watching the Jester lovefest going around MLB lately makes me wonder if Kobe will get a similar victory lap when he retires during his 20th season with the Lakers in 2016? Why or why not? Personally, I feel Tim Duncan is the only player worthy of such respect, but Kobe is an interesting case - a lot of drama, but also arguably one of the greatest players in history. Thoughts?
Kobe has to announce his retirement before he could get that victory lap. Kobe's ego won't let him "announce" retirement.
Yes, but if did announce, I'm sure he would be feted at every last game in each city. He may be a prick, but he is one of the best players ever. Duncan would get that treatment as well. Lebron would, but he's still far from retirment. I'm not sure many other players would, though.
Probably not. 1) Kobe already got his slurpfest when he flew in after his rape case hearings and was called a hero for being able to play basketball while he was dealing with a rape trial. (vomits) 2) Kobe's image isn't nearly as pristine as Jeter's. He's been considered a bad teammate at various points, the rape issue, etc. 3) Jeter is a unique case in that (despite what lots of fans want to be true) Jeter was a clean face for baseball in an era where it had a lot of cheaters and a lot of jerks at the top of the game. He never got in trouble, never had issues with cheating, was considered a great teammate, etc. 4) A generation of baseball players that are in the game right now consider Jeter their favorite player. Coaches want players to play like Jeter.
Derek Jeter Legendary player for the New York Yankees -------------------- As for OP's question, I'm sure he will. Undoubtedly one of the greats. But of course, as MONON said, he would have to announce his retirement prior to his last season. I strongly doubt he'd do it.
I think this is more of a baseball thing in general. I think I remember similar nut hugging from the other teams when Cal Ripkin announced he'd retire. In the NBA it's custom for your team to send you off, not for the rest of the league to send you off. I remember Kareem getting a rocking chair from the Lakers but I don't remember every team honoring him on his last appearance.
think the last NBA player who got that treatment was David Robinson back in 03, Kobe's reputation would prevent this scenario
Duncan's got similar accomplishments/reputation/team loyalty, so I would assume he would get that treatment. Kobe's was a little too erratic, personally and professionally, to be viewed the way the other 2 have.
