I think there's definitely a message in there somewhere. Commit to doing things well, give things your all, etc. However, it seemed like with Kobe it definitely reached a point where it was very asocial behavior, and I think lauding him for that may be a bit misguided.
You are not wrong,, guy was a total prick sometimes, winning meant everything.
If you are a player at least on a professional level you are going to embrace it. Its why you do what you do.
Fans watch sports hope like their team wins it all at some point, Kobe brought LA 5 titles, fans are going to embrace Kobe's winner take all commitment. Selfishly that is what they care about. Kobe took very good care of the fans.
I sat through lots years of the LA Kings losing. It was fun to watch but will be honest the years they finally won it all nothing like it, I will never forget it and will always be thankful to those players
Drew Doughty the all star defensemen and one of the best in the NHL, is a freaking *******, but he is our ******* and we put up with him. He too, just has a stupid drive to succeed. though he seems to be mellowing now, recently got married. He just turned 30.
Kobe got married at 24, A guys like Kobe probably should not look to have a wife that young. Believe the stories are his dad did not like Vanessa at all, and that drove Kobe to the alter even sooner. He and his father were not close.
Then again Lebron has been with his wife how long and he seems to balance family life and winning pretty well. His biggest transgression it seems was the way he handled the Miami announcement. So it can be done.