Quote:
Originally Posted by Basel57
Kobe can do no wrong in the media? Is this a joke? Don't be fooled by Bucher and ESPN. Most people still don't like Kobe.
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Kobe is a very divisive figure, for sure. I think Pioneer10 was talking about how there are quite a few big Kobe fans in the national media (Bucher, BJ Armstrong, etc.) and also because the LA writers like Plaschke and Adande get a lot of air time in the national spotlight, while there is no equivalent for Cleveland (understandable to an extent because of the differences in market size, but frustrating nonetheless).
Kobe does have his share of haters in the national media like Bill Walton et al. But he also has his share of rabid supporters. Lebron seems to attract the same haters in the national media, but he doesn't have that guy posing as an analyst who will fight tooth and nail to support him. The best he's got is the Sportscenter anchors who see a couple of highlights and jock him up based on those, but nobody takes them seriously. At least some people take ESPN's 'analysts' seriously on occasion.
I see Kobe get torn to shreds by analysts a lot, but I also see others who will defend him and prop him up no matter what. I can't think of a single guy who'll defend Lebron like that, but he still attracts idiots like Rosen and Bayless.
I'd say Kobe's reputation in the media is more black and white. Either you love him or hate him. I don't see the same effect with Lebron (although there are plenty of guys who really hate him I guess).