Then… Now… & Forever!!!
Since learning of Kobe Bryant’s untimely death three Sundays ago, I just knew I had to write something. Yet, trying to find just the right words to say, while surprisingly grieving a person I’d never met, rendered me with a serious case of writer’s block for days. Strangely, losing Kobe felt like losing a member of my family even though I wasn’t the biggest Kobe fan at first.
The horrific helicopter accident which took the lives of 9 people, including Kobe and his 13 year old daughter Gianna, has left the entire sports world and beyond in a severe state of genuine mourning.
Make shift monuments of flowers, jerseys, candles, etc — anything remotely connected to Kobe or the Lakers, began popping up almost immediately at the Bryant Gymnasium in Ardmore Pa, where Kobe played high school basketball as well as the Los Angles Staples Center after news of the crash first broke.
As word started to spread, current and past NBA super-stars — some who’d played with Kobe and many others who competed against him, appeared devastated by the senseless loss. Some bravely tried to grant “live” interviews where the emotion of the tragedy began pouring out. Others chose to express their feelings for Kobe using social media.
Just the night before the accident, I watched as Lakers Forward LeBron James moved past Kobe, into 3rd place on the NBA’s all time leading scorers list — ironically, in of all places….Philadelphia!
Kobe was one of the 1st to congratulate LeBron via social media :
That was Kobe Bryant’s final tweet….
Since then, every NBA franchise along with current players have openly participated in classy pre-game displays of affection and respect for the fallen NBA legend as well as for the eight other victims and their families.
But let’s not kid ourselves, had there been nine “Joe Schmoes” who died in that helicopter accident, as tragic as that would’ve been, I doubt it would’ve made world wide news. Possibly, local news for a day or two, due to the graphic nature of the loss, but that’s about it.
Kobe Bryant’s premature passing is the face, pulse and heart beat which fuels this tragedy. The world’s fascination with every single aspect of the rich and famous’s lives unfortunately becomes tabloid news, from their greatest triumphs, up to and including their sudden demise.
Bilingual Kobe Bryant (he spoke both fluid Italian and Spanish) was NBA royalty! As basketball continued to grew globally, an argument could be made his world wide popularity had even eclipsed that of the great Micheal Jordan. Over the past 25 years, we’ve gotten to witness Kobe transform from a 17 year old cocky kid, to a humble loving family man — which is why this tragedy seems to touch us all so very personally. In terms of shock value, it’s eerily comparable to the sudden tragedies which took away both Princess Dianna and JFK Jr.
Yet as devastated as the sports world is by Kobe’s passing, it feels like a greater loss here in Philadelphia, his birth place. The finality of death, especially premature ones, tends to leave questions unanswered, sometimes accompanied by multiple levels of regrets. Unfortunately, there are no “do overs” with death, hopefully each of us takes the opportunity to handle our relationships properly among the living or regretfully learn to live with the ramifications. Thank goodness here in Philly, we were able to fix our relationship with Kobe.
Kobe’s talent forced us to share him with the world, but he was home grown right here. After completing a professional basketball career which also included multiple stints overseas — Kobe’s father Joe and his wife Pam Bryant, both Philadelphia natives, decided to return to their roots. They settled in Ardmore Pa., about a 20 minute car ride from Philadelphia.
Kobe, the only boy and the youngest of the 3 Bryant children, shared the same passion for basketball as his father. Back in his day, Joe “Jellybean” Bryant was a Philly high school and playground legend. Many colleges came to recruit Joe, but he choose to stay close to home attending Philly’s LaSalle University. Eventually, Joe took his talent’s to the NBA playing for several teams including his home town 76ers.
After his playing career came to an end, Joe went into coaching, eventually landing an assistant coaches position at his alma-mater. Early on, it was once thought young Kobe could possibly join Joe at LaSalle someday, “since the apple didn’t fall far from the tree” — but apparently Kobe had much bigger dreams. Playing in some of the same gymnasiums as his father, young Kobe began earning a well deserved basketball reputation.
Young Kobe’s rep began it’s ascent in Philadelphia legend Sonny Hill’s “Futures League” held at Temple University’s McGonigle Hall on North Broad Street. From there, he began regularly “tuning up” college and fringe pro level talent during “open runs” at St Joseph’s University’s Field House on City Line Avenue. Soon young Kobe began contemplating becoming an NBA player just like his Dad.
Gifted with incredible athletic ability, a non-stop east-coast blue collar work ethic, plus unmatched competitiveness, young Kobe’s confidence soared, bordering on arrogance. And why shouldn’t it, as the star of Lower Merion High School, young Kobe dominated the area’s best talent becoming the top high school player in the state of Pennsylvania.
Young Kobe attended the Adidas’ ABCD youth basketball camp where only the best players in the world were invited. Kobe “tuned them all up too” out working, out hustling and most importantly out playing anybody matched up against him. Naturally, he walked away with the MVP award of the camp.
By his senior year, Kobe was recognized as the No.1 high school recruit in the nation. Schools like Duke, North Carolina and Kentucky were some of the powerhouse colleges desperately trying to land the young phenom. Local schools Villanova and LaSalle were also on the short list of colleges that drew Kobe’s interest — however, word began to leak out, he was also exploring other options as well.
Word also leaked out 16 year old Kobe, had clearly out played North Carolina’s All-American guard Jerry Stackhouse during a private workout the Sixers held for prospective draftees at St. Joseph’s Field House. A few weeks later, the Sixers selected Stackhouse with the No.3 pick of the 1995 NBA Draft.
Also taken with the 5th pick overall of that same ‘95 draft class was high school senior Kevin Garnett. Garnett became the 1st high school player to enter the NBA draft in 20 years. After numerous discussions with his parents and trusted advisors, Kobe decided he wanted to become the 2nd.
In June of ‘96, 17 year old Kobe became the youngest player ever drafted, becoming the 13th pick of the Charlotte Hornets who immediately traded him to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Kobe to the Lakers was a perfect match for the charismatic, Hollywood handsome teenage baller. He’d be joining super-star Shaquille O’Neal, with hopes these two could soon recreate another “Showtime” Lakers era. As far as most Philly fans were concerned, we weren’t too happy since we disliked the Lakers almost as much as the hated Boston Celtics.
There was a history between the Sixers and the Lakers, not all of it good from our standpoint. First we lost the great Wilt Chamberlain to the Lakers for basically “a bag of nickels” in the late 1960’s. Then rookie sensation Earvin “Magic” Johnson took the animosity to another level leading the Lakers to an astonishing Game 6 victory over the Sixers in the 1980’s Finals. The Lakers out-dueled us again for the ‘82 title. The Sixers got a bit of revenge “sweeping” them for the ‘83 title, still those wounds cut a bit too deep for some fans to completely get over hurt feelings.
Then came the 2001 NBA Finals, Sixers vs Lakers … again! “Showtime” was back, as the Lakers were the defending champions, up against an overachieving Sixers squad led by our “adopted son” the mercurial Allen Iverson.
The Sixers gave us hope, taking Game One in LA, as “AI” scored 48 points, stunning the Lakers and their arrogant fans. Once the series moved to Philly, we felt as if we’d have a decided advantage since the next 3 games would be held at the First Union Center. The Sixers always played better at home in front of it’s raucous fan-base.
However, Kobe quickly cancelled that notion in Game Three, scoring 32 points as the Lakers took a 2–1 series advantage. Responding to some taunting by Sixers fans after the game, Kobe bellowed his infamous “cut your hearts out” statement. Once the media picked up on the story, it was on! The “hometown kid” was now the most hated person in Philadelphia.
Kobe continued to play magnificently in Games 4 and 5, scoring at will, while at times frustrating “AI” with physical “philly style” smothering defense. True to his word, the Lakers did “cut our hearts out” ending the series four games to one.
Watching Kobe strut around the First Union Center celebrating, wearing that gaudy looking Lakers championship jacket, was too much to bare for most Sixers fans, myself included. Silently, we plotted our revenge!
A measure of it came the next season when the 2002 NBA All-Star Game was played in Philadelphia. Everytime Kobe touched the basketball, raucous booing rained down upon him from the pro Philly fan-base. It was excessive, uncalled for and somewhat embarrassing, but it was also all Philly!
Unfazed, Kobe displays laser focus, using the booing as motivation — as he managed to score 31 points, 5 assist and 5 rebounds capturing MVP honors. The savage booing continued throughout the MVP trophy presentation. Kobe tried to act as if it didn’t bother him, but deep inside, he had to be crushed.
After all, what kind of city boos their own home-grown, budding super-star, after winning the All-Star Game MVP? This shoulda been an celebratory occasion, instead…we blew it!
The “cut your hearts out” quote was still too fresh, the pain still too deep in our hearts and minds. It seemed eight months just wasn’t enough time to sooth those hurt feelings.
Soon, people began questioning Kobe’s true affection for Philly, since he never actually lived in Philly. Or, there were those who said the exact opposite, that he forgot where he came from, that he got “too Hollywood.”
At it’s core, it was all pure jealousy. As much as we loved AI with his “play every game like it’s his last” mentality, Kobe was clearly the best player of that ‘96 draft class. Watching him wins all those championships with the Lakers was like watching your little brother having the time of his life at the circus …. with another family!
One thing about Philly, when it comes to opposing teams and their players, we hate easily, but once respect is earned, we’ll shower them with the utmost affection as if they were one of our own. Eventually, time does heal all wounds, allowing Philly to learn to forgive young brass Kobe with the tiny nappy ‘fro — as he transformed into the mature shaven-head deadly assassin known as the “Black Mamba!”
During their time together in LA, it was no secret Shaq and Kobe didn’t always see eye to eye, even though they’d won three championships together. Those on again, off again conflicts combined with a sexual assault charge leveled against him in ‘03, had Kobe‘s life in pure turmoil. The charges were eventually dropped since the accuser decided not to cooperate with the authorities, yet the scandal left a stain on his once pristine public image.
His only refuge was the basketball court, where he began to create the “Black Mamba” alter-ego to help deal with the stress of the situation. The “black mamba” is a snake found in Africa, who’s characteristics are aggressiveness, quickness and agility plus deadliness. Kobe learned about the snake while watching the movie “Kill Bill Vol 2.” He felt the snake’s natural traits described his basketball game to a tee. Kobe decided he’d personally handle the turmoil off the court, while “the mamba” would handle all basketball issues on it.
Once Shaq was traded from the Lakers in 2004, it allowing Kobe to step outside of that “larger than life” shadow, to become the No.1 alpha dog he was always meant to be. Since the Lakers were finally “his team” Kobe changed his jersey number 8 to 24 deciding a visible change was necessary to go along with his new “mamba mentality”
Finally freed from deferring to Shaq, the “Black Mamba” became the NBA’s deadliest assassin, winning scoring titles in both the 2006 and ‘07 seasons.
Next on his bucket list was proving he could win a championship without Shaq. Kobe’s “new look Lakers” achieved that goal as well with back to back championships in 2009 and 2010.
All the while from a far, Philly was watching and admiring the elite player Kobe had become. Over the years most of the talk of him not really being from Philly died down, replaced by love and respect, as Kobe visited Lower Merion and Philly often during his off-seasons.
Despite our less than glowing public reputation, Philly knew at some point there’d come a time again, we’d get to show our true love for Kobe on a national stage. This time around it wouldn’t be clouded by jealousy or hatred.
Prior to the start of the 2015 season, Kobe announced it would be his last. The first road game of the season was scheduled for Philadelphia. There, we’d get our last chance to make amends.
Despite a bitter cold December night, the newly named “Wells Fargo Center” was buzzing with electricity even though the rebuilding Sixers were dreadful. The full capacity crowd was there for Kobe and only Kobe. The same fans who’d once unmercifully booed him, cheered for him as if it was Game 7 of the Finals. Endless chants of “Ko-bee — Ko-bee” and “M.V.P.” proudly erupted throughout the arena.
A somewhat surprised and slightly emotional Kobe, managed to keep his emotions in check, as the crowd continued to serenaded him with love during the pregame ceremony.
The Sixers organization showed first class, displaying a short highlight video of Kobe’s greatest moments on the Jumbotron, while also presenting him with a framed replica of his Lower Merion jersey — along with greetings from his high school head coach and the legendary Sixer, Julius “Dr. J” Irving.
This time around, once the game started, Kobe’s every move continued to be celebrated, as he scored 20 points during the anti-climactic contest.
Unlike us, Kobe never abandoned Philly. All his “Hollywood” friends spoke of his constant admiration for his hometown and it’s sports teams. When invited to speak to the Eagles players prior to their 2017 Super Bowl run, Kobe jumped at the opportunity.
He spoke of his “mamba mentality” as hard work prepared him physically and mentality for those championship moments. He reminded them of their preparedness and sacrifices, how the ultimate opportunity was just in front of them.
Later, who could ever forget that video of Kobe, holding his baby daughter Bianka Bella, madly celebrating HIS Eagles 1st and only Super Bowl victory over the New England Patriots 41–33.
Just like with his father, Kobe’s middle daughter Gianna or “Gigi” shared his same passion for basketball. Prior to the accident, the two were often spotted at basketball games, as it appeared he was teaching her the intricate details of playing the game the right way.
From all accounts, 13-year-old Gigi had serious game, as she also shared some of the same on court mannerisms as her famous father. She more than likely studied all of his videos, the same way young Kobe studied his idol’s, Michael Jordan.
While young Kobe didn’t have his idol to teach him the game, young Gigi did! Proud Papa Kobe was there for her every step of the way, as he served as a volunteer coach for her girls middle school basketball team. Gigi’s game was so impressive Kobe gave her the nickname “Mambacita” a little feminine twist to his own “Mamba” nickname. He he’d even filed a trademark for the name on December 30th 2020, as a bright future was expected of young Gigi’s basketball career ….
Every time I view an NBA pre or post game show from this point on, especially this All-Star Weekends, I’ll feel cheated. With live multiple appearances and commentary from all the legendary players of yesteryear, we’ll never again get to hear Kobe’s interesting views on the state of the NBA.
The articulate way he broke down every scenario of the game on the ESPN+ DETAIL videos was unmatched by any basketball analyst I’d ever seen. Seamlessly adjusting to his new role as a former league elder statesmen, he was just beginning to scratch the surface of the knowledge he’d be able to provide to fans and future students of basketball.
However, in retirement, Kobe chose a different path from most former NBA players. He created a multimedia company called Granity Studios, where he began trying his hand at writing. One of his early projects earned him an Oscar award for his animated short film “Dear Basketball” in 2018.
In the film, narrated by Kobe himself, he describes his love for the game, starting as a little boy, through his eventual journeys of triumphs and failures — his love for it all, fueled him, until his body started to break down, causing his regretful goodbye to the game.
I’ve watched that film several times since the tragedy. It retrospect, it now hauntingly feels to me as if Kobe had a premonition he’d be saying goodbye to the world for good soon. His retirement, in some ways parallels his untimely demise. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to watch that film again without developing a massive lump in my throat, as I struggle to stop the tears leaking from my eyes.
While his basketball legacy remains unquestionably intact, Kobe’s legacy as a man will remain clouded for some. Whispers of the sexual assault accusation from 2003 recently began to resurface again, during this period of mourning. Obviously, some folks don’t believe in redemption. Some only choose to see Kobe at his worse or lowest point instead of accepting the possibility the accusation leveled against him could be untrue.
While he took full responsibility for regretfully committing adultery on his wife, Kobe has always maintained his belief the sexual encounter was consensual. The prosecutor’s office of Edwards, Colorado had to eventually drop the charges, since the accuser’s own questionable sexual past and mental instability rendered her an unreliable witness.
So why is this still an issue now, some 17 years later? Because the two came to a monetary civil agreement? Does the fact that he paid the accuser, amount to an admission of guilt or could it just be an attempt to make some bad publicity go away.
Maybe that was the whole point of the accuser’s accusation in the first place. It’s not like it’s an original or unheard of ideal or concept. However, nothing that’s happened since that incident suggests Kobe had a pattern or history of that type of behavior. His wife has stood behind him the whole time, while all accounts led to him becoming an excellent husband to his wife and an exemplary father to his four girls.
So rest well young prince, those of us who have always believed in your innocence, will continue to do battle with the naysayers for your legacy! Give Gigi a hug and a kiss from us all and tell her, we got her Daddy’s back!
“5…4…3…2…1”
Gone much too soon!!!
Until we meet again…
Love Philly!!!
PS : This article is dedicated to the victims & their families who’s lives were changed forever on Sunday January 26, 2020!
May God bless you all!!!
