Kobe Bryant Slams Basketball Media on Twitter: "Only Way to Shut up Critics Is to Win"

Kobe Bryant's been taking to Twitter over the past day to defend his NBA comrades. The crux of Bryant's point, which began with a spirited meme defense of Russell Westbrook's shot volume, is that the media will, with broad strokes and characterizations, unfairly frame athletes and teams a certain way UNTIL they win a championship.

Media critique- Mj was a gunner Magic was a coach killer Shaq wasn't serious Lbj couldn't handle pressure Spurs r too old #BeforeRings

— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) April 14, 2015

What ALL TIME Great went 19 for 43 in a game 3 nba finals loss? #lookItup #onlyringsmatter #byAnyMeans

— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) April 14, 2015

That would be a Mr. Michael Jordan. Iverson also went 18-41 in a Finals W over the Lakers. https://t.co/ZjNJarlBtD

— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) April 14, 2015

After that, those same criticisms and perceived bad characterizations flip into positives: Michael Jordan's killer mentality is praised, the Spurs have experience; etc. 

Ppl will always find a way to critique Only way to shut up critics is to WIN That's the challenge myself and Mj accepted #CantcritiqueRings

— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) April 14, 2015

Kobe's correct to extent—winning 100 percent changes everything in an athlete's life, especially how they're covered in the media. You can't doubt the champ.

We will, however, point out that the Spurs were young champions at one point (Tim Duncan won his first NBA ring at 23-years-old). Also, this quote should sound familiar to Kobe: “It used to drive me crazy that he was so lazy,” because it's Kobe talking about Shaq in March 2014. Kobe, YOU'RE the reason why everyone thought Shaq wasn't serious, because you told it that way for over a decade! You can't pass the blame on a media controversy when you're responsible for it. 

But whatever. We're just happy to see 36-year-old Kobe Bryant harness the power of the meme: 

#StopIt pic.twitter.com/pPRO8BnF4P

— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) April 13, 2015

Send all complaints, compliments, and tips to sportstips@complex.com.

[via @kobebryant on Twitter]