Kobe Bryant has developed a reputation as one of the toughest players in the NBA to play with. Though he has admitted to improving as a leader through the years, Kobe is still very tough on teammates.
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Kobe has said that he approves of the roster the Lakers have put together, but there are a lot of young players who Kobe will have to help out along the way.
Mitch Kupchak appeared on The Herd with Colin Cowherd this morning, and according to our own Serena Winters, life could be tough for those who can’t earn Kobe’s trust:
"You may not measure up to Kobe's expectations as a player & if you don't & you're on this team. It's going to be a problem." – Kupchak
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) July 30, 2014
Even though there are returning players like Nick Young, Wesley Johnson, Xavier Henry, and Ryan Kelly, these players were unable to play with Kobe for an extended time last season. When the Lakers added in other young players like Ed Davis, Jeremy Lin, and Julius Randle, Kobe will need to do a lot of teaching this season.
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These players have an excellent opportunity in front of them to play with one of the best players in the history of the NBA. But Kobe will not accept mediocrity this season, especially if the team plans on making a playoff run. If they are unable to meet Kobe’s standards and grow during the season, it could be a long season and for some, their final season in Los Angeles.
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