What's Up With Kobe?

The change in Bryant, however, seems more of a conscious choice, and it's unclear how well it will work for him in the long run. Both his peers and the public already know him as a sweet, sensitive young man, and neither group is likely to buy him as a tough guy with a chip on his shoulder. Will fighting deter opponents from trying to manhandle him, or will it only persuade them that he can be shaken, causing them to try it even more often? The danger for Bryant is that he's heading down a path that will lead to his becoming the NBA's version of Ken Griffey Jr., a joyful prodigy turned into a dark, unhappy star.

Scowling anger may work for Allen Iverson or Gary Payton, but Bryant is naturally gracious, not surly. If he really is trying to change his image, he may be too late.