I suspect all those Kobe haters would have gladly embraced him if the Kings had found a way to trade for him in his prime, or sign him as a free agent. I certainly hated him when in a game against us, but only as the opposition. As an individual? Don't know and probably never will. Kobe was a very private person who was all business as a player, even with his own teammates. I always felt that was his weakness, but to each his own. It's hard to argue with the results, and I'm a results person.
I'll always remember how Danny Ainge went from one of the most hated players by Kings fans, to suddenly beloved by everyone, once he was on the team. Sport fans are quite fickle when it comes to love and hate. In my opinion, if Fox and Buddy can absorb some small degree of improvement from going to Kobe's camp, then I think it's great. Even if it's only drinking the same ice water that Kobe drank.