Kobe Cares

They usually are video montages of NBA players, reading to kids, handing out presents, helping build walls or running basketball camps. NBA Cares is the League's social responsibility initiative where teams and players have committed millions of hours of time and dollars to serving the community.

I’ll show you another, far less amicable form of caring. Look no further than the Los Angeles Lakers starting shooting guard. Last night, against one of the worst teams in the league, up by a measly 31 points in the waning minutes of the third quarter, Number 24 amassed back-to-back technical fouls and had an early trip to the showers.

What had Mr. Bryant so riled? A non-call actually. Going up for an offensive rebound, Kobe thought (and, to his credit, the replay showed a great deal of contact) that he deserved a call. Referee Brian Forte saw it differently, and after Kobe jawed at him all the way back down the court, Forte hit him with a tech. This incensed Kobe even more leading to a blow up (with Fish trying to pull Kobe away) and Kobe’s second T.

Talk about caring. Not only has Kobe decided to forego surgery on his maligned pinky finger, he’s playing with so much intensity that he’s not relenting a single solitary second in his drive for a championship. He argued a questionable call to the point of ejection in a game that saw his team ahead by more points than he averages.

That’s caring.

So go ahead Dallas and rejoice that Kidd has come. Just remember, Kidd takes days off for migraines. Kobe plays through the flu (that sidelined half of the NBA for those keeping score).

And congratulations Phoenix on acquiring the Big Cactus who, only three weeks ago was rumored to be contemplating shutting it down for the season due to hip bursitis despite his team’s struggles and his 20 million dollar paycheck. Kobe is playing with torn ligaments in his shooting hand.

What's not to like about a man so driven to win, that he's willing to do whatever it takes, constantly refusing to fail.  

Did he complain about lack of help? Sure. Basically demand a trade? Sure. Take over games because he feels that his team just can’t do it? Sure (though, not necessary this season). Bitch to the refs on almost every non-call? Sure.

But take a night off? Never. Not give it everything he has. Nope (except for one night in Sacto…).

Kobe plays to win. And that’s why he will. 

After all, the NBA is all about caring.