Kobe Bryant Discussion: Mamba Out!

She did. Reggie told a story about him asking Kobe, to get her to UCLA. Kobe responded with "she picked UConn". What a terrible loss. Im still shattered.

 

Hey fam. Haven't been able to come here since yesterday. Just too painful. Please know I've been with you all every step, every moment.

It’s funny, but I always just assumed one day I’d have an occasion to meet him and tell him what it was like to be in the last row at Staples for Game 7 in 2010. Or with my dad for the 81. Figured if I stayed alive long enough it was fated to happen. In the next life I guess.

 

I really don't think these guys should be playing. But then when is the right time? Will taking 1 game off make it hurt any less?


This league wide outpouring of love is really great to see. It's the most unifying event we've experienced in quite awhile.


Glad they are doing all they can to be there for her. She needs it right now.

 

We do know these people on some level and learn to love parts of them. They don't need to know us for us to feel genuine loss.

There is a term for this called "Parasocial relationships". It is one sided but as real as any relationship.

We live in a world of media that we will feel great loss that we normally wouldn't have. So much exposure to so many personalities that some we sincerely admire or even feel love. So when we lose them it can feel like a loss of a close friend.

I am sad like so many others. Kobe was on a different plane when it comes to his appeal and our admiration.

I will forever miss what more he offered this wonderful world. We were all blessed to have walked with him in the time he was with us.

ALL are in our thoughts and prayers.

 

Anyone here think that basketball will never be the same for them? I always wanted us to win - none more than this season. But it just doesn't seem like it matters at all. I'm a fan of the Lakers but I don't really care if you're the C Bags, Clippers, or Rockets. His death put everything into perspective... I was more saddened by the fact that he was becoming such a great family man and father. None of his basketball moments came into mind for me. I'm on some fantasy league with a few friends and we've each put $250 in it. Myself and another Lakers fan have been the only ones who haven't been on it to update our rosters since Kobe's death. I don't really care anymore. I also read that Pelinka is the godfather of Gianna... He not only lost one of his closest friends but his goddaughter. I don't know how Rob can do his job for this trade deadline and I don't even care if nothing happens. #8 and #24 need to be retired across the league and an NBA logo with Kobe Bryant should be heavily considered.

 

kobe was one of those guys who you thought was invincible

kobe die? yeah maybe when he's 100. he wasn't supposed to die this young

 

never noticed this but big respect to hayward for doing it. also, ESPN is currently airing his last game

 

I actually think this is going to change how I live. The impact so far has been incredible.

 

I can't re-watch that farewell game. I'm way too emotional for that right now.

 

Pretty cool attention to detail from Minny.



And that's a great gesture by Hayward during Kobe's finale. Watching it on ESPN now. Honestly it's tough to rewatch, but feel like I need to. Lot of emotion.

 

This is so horrible clublakers family . We grew up together watching and marveling at Kobe’s growth as a basketball player. I’m absolutely gutted as I know many you are.

 

I couldn't hold back the emotions when I woke up earlier. I don't invest myself in "celebrity" deaths, but this is quite different. Maybe it's because I don't personally know him, is why I've allowed myself to cry about it. Showing this love is the only thing I got for Kob. I've never spoken to him, can't recall conversations with him or anything. Only been in the same arena as him - and yet I am eternally grateful for those experiences.

We've known him since he was 18 years old. We witnessed him grow from boy to man and father. I'm close to Weezy's age, I was 10 in 96'. Coming from my perspective, it was a ripe age to ingest basketball. I began to understand the more complex aspects while still having the innocent wonder and obsession for the sport. As Kobe progressed in his pursuit of basketball, my love for the sport grew and matured alongside him. I truly feel like I lost an older brother, an uncle, a teacher.

When I look back at all those years, Kobe to me, represented hope. He was one of the best players in the league for 20 years. With his dedication, this team had a chance. "If we could pick up a point guard and so-and-so, combined with Kobe, we can challenge for the title". Kobe brought us 5 titles, but we said these things for the better part of 20 years. Kobe gave us relentless improvement and hope every year. I'm trying to take that with me until I myself leave.

So is basketball different for me? Absolutely. Kobe played the game a certain way and we loved him for it. Bird said basketball wasn't the same when Magic retired. I don't want to disrespect anyone's sentiments right now, but something about giving up on basketball is seems so anti-Kobe in my heart. And that might be specific to Kobe and what he stood for. Kobe gifted me with the love for basketball and the value of hard work. That's how I plan to celebrate Kobe. I hope to see you all around here, talking hoops for years to come.

 

Man, reading that from Lebron, really breaks your heart.