Kobe Bryant calls shooting too much 'a matter of perspective'
Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant said criticism that he shoots too much is "a matter of perspective."
Bryant made the comment in an interview with GQ's Chuck Klosterman.
Bryant, 36, is out for the season after having surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff in his right shoulder. He squashed rumors that he would retire, saying the he is hoping for a "rebirth" similar to what the San Antonio Spurs have experienced during the past few seasons.
Before he injured his shoulder, Bryant averaged 22.3 points, 5.7 rebounds and 5.6 assists while shooting just 37.3 percent from the field on 20.4 attempts per game. His high-volume shooting re-ignited a career-long debate about how much is too much.
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"I've shot too much from the time I was eight years old," Bryant says. "But 'too much' is a matter of perspective. Some people thought Mozart had too many notes in his compositions. Let me put it this way: I entertain people who say I shoot too much. I find it very interesting. Going back to Mozart, he responded to critics by saying there were neither too many notes or too few. There were as many as necessary."
In December, Bryant passed Michael Jordan for No. 3 on the league's all-time scoring list, but he said is not interested in passing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the No. 1 spot.
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In the interview, Bryant also said he believes general manager Mitch Kupchak will be able to build the team into a contender by next season.
The Lakers are No. 14 in the Western Conference with a 13-40 record this season.
- Paul Palladino
