* Practice was pretty much a ghost town once the gym opened up to us media types. I'm guessing guys wanted to bolt, grab a quick something to eat, then hit the Sheraton Gateway Hotel for the award presentation (which can be viewed here, for those who haven't seen it yet). Few players stuck around to talk, and the ones that did, didn't stay long.
Much has been made about Kobe's evolution as a leader, a progression that has hit previous high points but never with such a sustained positive effect or result over the course of a season. "He's been growing as a leader ever since I got here when the whole (Shaq era) team split up," said Luke Walton when asked about Kobe's 2007-2008 floor captain stint. "This year, as far as leadership and being involved with the team, it's the best job that he's done. Bringing everyone together. Getting everyone to want to play for him and win for him."
Walton cited approaches such as taking teammates out to dinner, spending more time explaining opposition nuances, and arguably the most important element, having the patience to ride out results that aren't perfect. "I think before, he used to be a lot more negative towards his teammates as opposed to now, pulling people to the side, talking to them. Figuring out ways to figure it out together, instead of just coming down hard on them."
* With the exception of Andrew Bynum (in New York getting his knee checked) and Vlad Radmanovic (no clue as to his whereabouts), all of Kobe's teammates were in attendance, with everyone visibly stoked to see him honored. Also on hand were Andre Iguodala (76ers) and Corey Maggette (Clippers). While the former is a free agent and the latter potentially the same, I wouldn't read into their presence as a sign of their interest in becoming '08-'09 Lakers. I think both were just there to lend support.
* Trevor Ariza took the stage for an impromptu mic check. "This is the official check," announced the swingman. "Podium check, 1, 2." Loopy fun stuff.
* Stu Lantz was the emcee, keeping his remarks brief and reserving the limelight for Kobe. What he did say, however, revolved around praise for Bryant, referring to him as, "simply the best of the best" and "someone (I) think so much of."
* Kobe seemed genuinely flattered both by the award and that such a large contingent of the Lakers' family (including that fella known as "The Logo") shared the day with him. In particular, Kobe went out of his way to give his teammates their due. "I'm fortunate to be on this journey with guys that I enjoy. We all get along and have this great chemistry and unity and it's made it all worthwhile... I cannot stress upon you enough that this is not an individual award. These guys make me look better than I actually am. I couldn't have done it without them."
* Walton brought the house down upon asking Kobe if, because "you couldn't have won the award without your teammates, will you be getting your teammates some kind of gift." Kobe was equally amused, chiding Walton for referring to him as "Mr. Bryant" (like Walton's dad would ask him a question) and saying this was another example of the spoiled modern athlete. Similarly, Tex Winter (who described himself as a "triangle consultant", then a triangle "insultant") got laughs after asking Kobe if he liked the offense he once despised. For the record, Kobe likes it.
* Kobe was presented with a Kia, which he in turn donated to the East L.A. Boys and Girls Club. For those now worried, I'm pretty sure he has other vehicles at his disposal, so don't sweat the Mamba getting stuck without a set of wheels.
* As is occasionally the case, Lamar Odom was a little late arriving. And as is more than occasionally the case, his wardrobe made the entrance worth the wait. A letterman's jacket with patches marking every season the Lakers snagged an O'Brien ("Hopefully, we'll add another patch," smiled Odom.") and a purple hat with "Undefeated" in script lettering. Lest anyone accuse Odom of telling a pitcher he's tossing a no-hitter, the hat wasn't sewn together after the Lakers hit the 5-0 postseason mark. It's an apparel line Odom thought was appropriate right now. But he agreed with me that actually tailoring such a lid would be flirting with a serious jinx.
* As I was driving home, I already heard a couple of talk shows getting into a statement by Kobe when asked if he would have handled the summer's drama differently, seeing how things turned out, or if the ends justified the means. After delivering a wickedly straight faced "I was right the whole time" (delivered with such deadpan that the desired laugh didn't come until he added, "I'm joking"), he followed up with a remark that could be interpreted as praise either sincere or begrudging.
"What should be said, which I really don't want to say, but I'm gonna say it anyway, is that we have to give a lot of credit to Mitch Kupchak."
Kobe went on to praise Kupchak's recent trades and draft picks, both of which have led to the Lakers' current contention. But the line could be interpreted as Bryant paying a compliment through gritted teeth. Personally, I think Kobe was going for a dry joke (the punchline basically being a mock resentful "I hate to admit the guy had a clue.") that was awkwardly phrased and fell flat. If you listen, there's a pause for laughs that never came, followed by his own chuckle. But for the skeptics, it's Bryant being less than thrilled to admit someone else may have known more than he did. And frankly, I do think that's the one angle of this unexpected good fortune Kobe isn't wild about acknowledging (which is why he really hasn't). Having said that, I also don't think he was going for a dig at that particular moment, nor am I doubting the sincerity of those particular thanks.
At any rate, Kupchak was asked about Kobe's words. "It sounded like you had to drag it out of him," smiled Kupchak, who didn't seem terribly offended and instead focused on Kobe's pleasure with his supporting cast and being first in the West, along with him affirming a "Laker for life" ambition. Was Kupchak more peeved than he let on? I suppose he could have been. But even if that were the case, I doubt it means much in the long run, because Kupchak has always maintained that priority one is acting in the franchise's best interests, as opposed to making Kobe (or any player) happy. Not that he didn't care about Kobe's contentment. Quite the opposite, I'm sure. But you still have to avoid bending to pressure, whether from Kobe or the fans, when you know a deal isn't right.
Incidentally, those same patient instincts that prevented him from trading Bynum, Odom and Kwame Brown's expiring contract for guys like Jason Kidd or Jermaine O'Neal are the instincts that have set up Kobe and the Lakers for years to come.
* Finally, listen to Odom's audio. Good stuff about flying his personal chef to Hawaii's training camp, specifically to fix the team three killer squares a day, the hope being everyone would bond while continually eating together. "My grandmother used to always say you could spend time with the devil and start to like him if y'all hang out every day. You know what I'm saying. Nobody here is the devil, so I had a feeling it would work."
Indeed.
