Kobe Bryant: A Source of Creative Energy or a Kid With a Lot to Learn?

If Kobe Bryant has a slogan, it’s “Stop resting. Do your absolute maximum. Then push yourself beyond it, and everything will come” (“All Alone Out There,” by Scott Howard-Cooper, Jan. 9). That’s why I admire him. He emits so much creative energy that everyone just looking at him feels stronger and asks: “Have I reached my ceiling? If not, why am I resting?”

Clarance Evan Dale Santos

Adelanto

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Players felt snubbed because Kobe knew, even at 17, that his family should be his source of values, not the wife-cheating, trash-talking idiots in the NBA. You’d think Magic Johnson’s HIV announcement would have slowed them down, but they’re too stupid to fear. The lifestyle of the NBA is nothing to aspire to.

Yes, Kobe has dissed his teammates. But maybe if he had reason to respect them as people, he could respect them more as players.

Suzanne E. Boxdorfer

Fullerton

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It long has been my contention that L.A.’s sports teams don’t fare better because there is an unnatural distraction called “the media” clouding the athletes’ focus.

The late Frank Zappa titled an album “Shut Up and Play Your Guitar.” I say to Kobe Bryant and all other athlete-entertainers: “Shut up and play your game.”

David Heimark

Monrovia

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How on earth did anyone who grew up in Italy show up for a photo shoot in that outfit? You’ve got a lot to learn, kid.

Hal Truschke

San Diego