A more recent example is Kobe. After Shaq left, nobody thought Kobe could win any more titles.... Especially after Shaq went to Miami & won another one first. But Kobe always believed in himself, & I think to a lesser degree, Phil & the Laker organization, & as close as he came to leaving a couple years ago.... He ultimately stayed & stuck it out, & is now 2 deep into another threepeat I haven't always condoned his personal behavior when he was younger, but I do admire his tenacity & fierce competitiveness