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BOSTON: Learning from boyhood idol Michael Jordan and charting his
own path without ex-teammate Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant could
be ready to add a historic chapter to his basketball legacy.
The 29-year-old playmaker attempts to lead the
Los Angeles Lakers to the National Basketball Association (NBA)
finals crown by upsetting the Boston Celtics twice on their home
court starting in Game 6 here Tuesday.
The Celtics carry a 3-2 edge in the best-of-7
series so the Lakers would have to become the first team to win the
NBA title after losing three of the first four games, a feat Jordan
and “Shaq” never had to bother with.
“You can’t help but think, obviously,
two,” Bryant said. “In training camp if you had told us we’ll
give you two games that you have to win to win a world championship,
we’d have took it in a heartbeat. This is a great opportunity.”
The chance is also there for Bryant to show he
can win a title without O’Neal, his partner on three consecutive
title teams starting in 2000 before their rift led to Shaq’s
departure after a 2004 finals loss to Detroit.
More than that, the talented guard could follow
in retired icon Jordan’s footsteps by evolving from a high-scoring
hero to one who lifts his teammates into the NBA’s best unit with
patience, work ethic and direction.
Bryant’s sometimes harsh words have resonated
with a young team looking to him for leadership and guidance, one
that clings to its title dream.
“They are used to it. We all have thick skin
around here,” Bryant said.
“Our relationship is great. People pay
attention to it a lot more when you lose than they do when you win.
When you win, it’s great leadership. When you lose, you’re a
tyrant. You’ve got to take it and roll with it.”
-- AFP
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