I guess OKC is the model all small town franchises are trying to follow - and while they continue to be a strong regular season team after trading Harden, they could use some $$$ for playoff depth. Indiana is another team that is doing great, but their current management has been a cut above. The rest don't inspire confidence in me at all. One of the best things about Kobe was watching him play as a kid without inhibitions on a big stage. Not floundering around in obscurity for a decade before he could compete.
NBA fan or not, anytime you lose a legend to injuries or potentially his career being over, it's sad. No matter how much you hate the team or player. Always appreciate greatness.
On a forum dedicated to the Houston Rockets, the OP described the Lakers as "one of the NBA's most beloved teams" and didn't even mention Kobe. Just thought I'd mention their misery was my great pleasure. Specifically regarding Kobe, my feelings about him are longstanding, very deep but do not include hatred. I've never denied his greatness as a player, his incredible work ethic & dedication to basketball and what he's brought to the NBA for a very long time. But post-achilles injury, it's clear he is a shell of himself and no longer a great player. I was sad when Kobe was first injured, but it's been long enough now that I've turned the page and moved on from it. The cherry on top is the Lakers have to pay him $48 million dollars regardless of production. That is a good thing.
Screw the Lakers. It's not even that I don't care what happens to them. It actually brings me joy to see them crumble and fail.
