J.R. Smith: Reaction to Kobe's retirement announcement is hypocritical

Kobe Bryant announced that this season will be his last on Sunday, and as the praise for one of the game's all-time greats began to roll in, J.R. Smith was quick to point out the hypocritical nature of the majority of the responses.

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When everyone said no one wants to play with him he still found ways to get it done! #2rings after Shaq when y'all said he would never win!
— JR Smith (@TheRealJRSmith) November 30, 2015

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Bryant is possibly the most polarizing player in the game's history, and has been criticized mercilessly in recent seasons for his style of play and possessing a personality that allegedly made it impossible for the Lakers to sign marquee free agents.

Smith is right to a certain extent. But if Kobe continues to put up shooting performances like he did against the Pacers (4-of-20 while leading his team in attempts on Sunday), the criticism will return, even in what is now officially his final NBA season.