Kobe Bryant To Critics: ‘Count To 5’

With the NBA Finals going on and the 2015 NBA Draft less than three weeks away, the anticipation for the Los Angeles Lakers to return to title contention has reached an all-time high for both the organization and the fans.

That being said, after finishing this past season with the worst record in franchise history, the Lakers are in great position to turn the page into the franchise’s future with the second overall pick in this year’s draft.

Although recent reports entertain the chance of the team drafting a guard, they are still expected to select either Karl-Anthony Towns or Jahlil Okafor — whichever big man the Minnesota Timberwolves defer.

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Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, who has had three consecutive season-ending injuries that have played a drastic role in the franchise’s decline the past few seasons, has been very active on Twitter as of late.

Of his most recent activity, he responded to a fan who posed a question via Twitter asking:
“What do you say to people when call you a selfish player? Thoughts?”

Bryant, who has been labeled as a ‘selfish’ player for his entire illustrious 19-year career could’ve easily ignored the question and went on with his day.

Luckily for us though, the seventeen-time All-Star gave us another classic response as only he does by simply saying, “Count to 5.”

Bryant, who surpassed Michael Jordan this past season to become third in the NBA’s all-time scoring list, has never been shy of flaunting his five championships.

Mostly because it reflects a tremendous and triumphant career in nineteen seasons — all with Lakers, of course.

We may never get to see Kobe in purple and gold following this coming season, but that’s okay.

Twitter knows no age limit.

In fact, after his playing days finish, it’s almost a guarantee that we’ll get some of the most spirited commentary on anything involving the association year after year.

Until, of course, his critics actually count to five.

But let’s be honest, nobody likes hecklers. Nobody.

If you’re one of the greatest — arguably the greatest (pretty good argument) — of all-time in basketball, I think you’ve earned your piece to say what you want to hecklers.

As he now prepares to enter his 20th season in the league, which many including Lakers’ general manager Mitch Kupchak believe will be Bryant’s final season, it’s still great to see Bryant keep his confidence and attitude the same as he’s always had.

I know it’s something that all of Lakers nation have grown accustomed to seeing over his amazing career.

Whether or not Bryant will actually retire at the end of his contract this season is yet to be determined.

For now, Bryant wins once again on social media, silencing critics saying three simple words: “Count to 5.”

Never change, Kobe. Never change.