ebozzz
Starter
Kobe is an aggressive player. When you guard him you can expect that. He uses everything he can to his advantage. There is a space around every player that is that players right to move around within, that includes the space to move the ball around from one side of the body to the other, or to move and/or turn when being defended without the ball. Kobe never gives up that space, nor should any player, it is his space and he has every right to move within that space. If you head is inside that space...watch out. I don't think it is malice aforethought on Kobe's part. I just think he plays aggressive and if you stick your noggin in that space you may get wacked by an elbow ( spelled elbow guys). I think the Artest elbow was a little more deliberate, and the foul was called, although the next day. Hey if you want to guard Kobe, and lean and hang all over him, then you better be careful because he is a physical player! I just don't think calling him a dirty player is right. There are far more dirty players in this league, past and present, that deserve that title, not Kobe. At least not yet!
Moving around in that space is cool but throwing bows to make space? As far as calling him a dirty player goes, if does intentional things, like dropping bows, that are really frowned upon by the league than you have to admit that the dirty tag might apply to some degree. Overall, he is an outstanding player. I have no problem admitting that. It seems that most Laker fans are unwilling to admit that Kobe has his faults and also that he does get away with many things would clearly be called if he were not Kobe. That being said, the Magic were not ready for this series.