On January 27, Beijing time, the 2021-22 NBA regular season is in full swing. Exactly two years ago today, NBA legend Kobe Bryant died in a plane crash at the age of 41.
Earlier today, NBA teams, as well as stars, expressed their nostalgia for Kobe, including NBA officials, Lakers officials, and 29 other teams, as well as Suns star Paul, Warriors star Thompson and so on. In addition, many media people also talked about the memories and spirit that Kobe Bryant brought to them on the show.
Among them, ESPN's famous commentator A-Smith said: "Missing the game for non-injury reasons? Isn't this Kobe Bryant; missing regular season games can also make money? It's not Kobe Bryant; it's something else in the heart, not a championship, it's not Kobe Bryant. ”
A-Smith's comment is very much in line with Kobe's personality and spirit. For 20 seasons, Bryant has been fighting for the championship. As A-Smith said, Kobe Bryant never misses the game for non-injury reasons, and even said that even if he has an injury, Kobe Bryant will do his best to overcome the difficulties, which is also a manifestation of Mamba's spirit.
However, A-Smith's remarks are believed to be aimed directly at the Nets' Irving. As we all know, Irving has always been a fan of Kobe, after Kobe's death, Irving was once very sad and missed the next game, and he also expressed his thoughts about Kobe on social media many times.
Throughout Irving's career, however, he has fully achieved the opposite of what A-Smith called the Kobe spirit. Irving, who has been unable to play this season because of a refusal to play, received a half-season salary paid by the Nets when he was unable to play. At the same time, in Owen's mind, personal beliefs are higher than basketball and championships, which is why Irving has been criticized.