Recently Kobe Bryant was talking about his new love affair with Shaquille O’Neal and how it was bigger than the game itself.

Then Bryant scored 81 points, he explained, because he just wanted the ‘W.’ Later he said, ”We had a stretch earlier this season where I didn’t have to score the ball like that for us to win. I look forward to going back to that.”In an interview with Fred Roggin, he said, ”I just try to be an inspiration to our youth.

”No question, Kobe Bryant is fun to watch, but listening to him talk, it’s a reminder of what happens when you mix together a dash of immaturity, an unchecked ego and a politically correct desire to orchestrate one’s own image.

”Do you like Kobe Bryant?” a poll began Wednesday morning, and based on the results, 46 percent voted ‘no,’ 45 percent ‘yes,’ and another 9 percent had no opinion, which all together is unbelievable given his talent to excite sports fans.

The survey asked the question, ”What do you feel was Bryant’s primary motivation for joining the World Championship and Olympic teams?

”Interest in representing the U.S. and reclaiming titles drew 41 percent of the vote, while an astounding 59 percent suggested his interest was ”in doing what he thinks will help his public image.

”That basically says, people are listening to Bryant when he talks, and shaking their head in disbelief when he says he’s only going after the ‘W,’ when he says he’s all about championships, and when he says he’s looking forward to a time again when he won’t have to score a lot.

The survey results suggest people love to see his athletic arrogance at work on the court, but when it continues to be displayed off the court, it becomes a turn-off.

On Friday, Kobe Bryant will play the visiting Golden State Warriors. Expect Kobe to score a ton of points that could very well lead the Lakers to another victory, love him or hate him.