2010 NBA Finals: In Defense of Kobe Bryant

If the Los Angeles Lakers do not win the NBA Finals, Kobe Bryant haters will have a field day.

Bryant is one of the most divisive athletes in sports. Some people swear he is better than Michael Jordan. However, detractors dismiss him as a ball hog.

Regardless of whether you cheer for Kobe or root for him to fail, you need to respect his game.

First off, let me say that I am not in the "Kobe can do no wrong" camp.

I'm not naive. I don't think his desire to win stems from a deep sense of loyalty towards his teammates. I don't think he bought his wife a $5 million ring because he's generous.

Kobe Bryant is a flawed human, just like the rest of us.

The reason you need to respect Bryant begins with his infamous work ethic.

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