The Final Score: Reflecting on Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and Kevin Durant in January

Six minutes to go in the fourth quarter. Kobe Bryant hits back-to-back three-point shots against the Raptors. The crowd in Toronto responds like he just made two consecutive triples in a dramatic two-point game. It’s an ooohs-and-aaahs kind of reaction. Like it’s a privilege to watch Bryant play that day. 

 

In reality, even after two straight three-pointers by Bryant, the score is actually 97-85, Raptors. He is shooting 8-of-26. He struggles against the primary and help defense of Landry Fields. Bryant’s team struggles along with him. 

[Related: Howard ejected, as Raptors roll over Lakers]

 

I don’t blame people who label Bryant as buwakaw. Naturally, his shot selection in late moments of close games stands out. The buwaya tag is an oversimplification, however, of Bryant’s competitiveness. 

 

Bryant’s close to 30 PPG 5 RPG 5 APG this season isn’t exactly the statline of a one-dimensional player. Yet the quality that makes him so iconic – his willingness to take big shots – is the very same trait that works against him when he’s measured against other elite NBA players.

 

Our occasional, albeit sometimes irrational, issues with the greats? 

 

Kobe shoots too much. He is 18-of-57 in his last two games. Stubborn. But I am up watching a Lakers-Raptors game at three in the morning on my laptop. It’s impossible to resist. Because if you want to watch a player who competes like he has always something to prove, you watch Bryant. And if you want drama, you watch the Lakers. 

 

LeBron James trusts his teammates too much. With five seconds left in a game seven situation, LeBron will pass the ball to a wide-open Norris Cole without hesitation. If you want to watch a superstar who can score 50 but opts to excel with team play, you watch James. Even in a “shoot-out” against Bryant, James finishes with 39 points, 17-25 FG, seven rebounds, eight assists, three steals and one block.

[Related: Heat pull away late, top Lakers]

 

Kevin Durant lets Russell Westbrook shoot too often, although Westbrook has scored at least 30 points in 10 games this season. Still, if you want to see great become even greater, you watch Durant. The man with arms and legs that go on forever is limited only by man’s nature of imperfection. Against the Mavs, Durant showed what it takes to be MVP: score 52 points and win gut-wrenching games.

[Related: Nuggets outlast Thunder in Northwest Division showdown]

 

Bryant, however, has a narrative edge over MVP contenders James, Durant, Chris Paul and Carmelo Anthony. Bryant might miss the playoffs. The others won’t have that problem.

 

In the last game of the regular season, the Lakers might fight for a playoff spot. I can see it. Drama to the max. The Lakers will be down six, 45 seconds left. Kobe will have the ball. The crowd will wait for him to fire back-to-back three’s. He will give everything as always. In the myth built by Bryant’s legendary persistence, every FG attempt, regardless of relevance, becomes an event. Even for his harshest critics, it will be thrilling to watch Bryant try and make both. - AMD, GMA News