Poor Kobe - Today's LA Times recounts how Reebok has broken off talks about keeping the Laker's all-star guard as their spokesmarketer. Though sometimes considered the heir to the Jordan crown, the other Times explains that:

Some sports marketing experts say he does not connect with young urban blacks who drive the sales of high-end sneakers. Bryant, who has lived overseas and speaks Italian, is perceived in some quarters as being too suburban, too aloof.

Is this a polite way of saying he's not black enough for Reebok?

Maybe Bryant needs to look elsewhere for his marketing millions. As the article notes, Chinese super-rookie Yao Ming of the Houston Rockets is showing up everywhere these days (such as the cover for both Sports Illustrated and ESPN The Magazine), and he's pitching more than just basketball shoes.