The Long Goodbye

Let me get this straight right off the bat. I’m a die-hard Laker fan, but I never really liked Kobe Bryant.

If you don’t think that’s possible, think again. I know a lot of Laker fans who have always been critical of the Black Mamba, especially the ones who already bled purple and gold when Kobe wasn’t even in the league. I have been a Laker fan ever since the mid-80s, so believe me when I tell you the Lakers world does not end with Kobe Bryant’s retirement. We were alright before him and we’ll be alright long after he’s gone. In fact, the thing that gets me riled up the most is the blind assumption that just because I like the Lakers I automatically condone everything Kobe does.

His shot selection, his tendency for hero-ball and constantly crying for a foul during an ongoing possession and not running back on defense have always been unacceptable to me. And even though the good things about KB outweigh the bad things by far, I always felt these deficiences kept Kobe from being a better player.

That doesn’t mean I don’t like Kobe as a human being. I can say that because I know more about him than what you see on TV. I met him 3 times very early in his career (and mine), shook hands with him before the whole world knew who he was and had 1-on-1 interview sessions that often times had nothing to do with basketball at all.

Back then we were just two kids who were new at their first job not really knowing how to go about it. “Do a Q&A with the kid that shot 3 airballs”, they said, so I did. I had no clue how to do a proper interview and he wasn’t sure how to answer. After all I was merely 4 years older than he was. Just another short Asian guy wearing baggy jeans and sneakers.

So I fired off my questions like I didn’t care (and I really didn’t care because Kobe was not a big star back then, he was just THE ARROGANT KID THAT SHOT 3 AIRBALLS) and he answered straight without thinking too much about it. Nowadays with everyone essentially carrying a broadcasting studio in their pocket, players are more careful. Back then there was no filter. So we drifted off topic quite a few times and talked about trivial things like trying to grow a beard, Scottie Pippen mumbling when he talks and we discussed – of all things – JarJar Binks.

“People might hate him now, but I think with more perspective and a few years down the road, people might actually appreciate him.”

That’s what Kobe said about JarJar Binks when Phantom Menace came out. Well, he was wrong. More than 15 years later people still hate JarJar. The funny thing is he could have been talking about himself. People love to hate Kobe, but that old saying “You never know what you got ’til its gone” will prove to be right once again. His fans who took him for granted for all these years will miss him. And I am sure that even people who never liked Kobe will somehow miss him as well. How could you not? If you are 20 years old or younger you can’t remember a basketball world without Kobe Bryant. That’s not an assumption, that’s a fact.

When you think about it, Kobe’s a lot like your first car. You might have started out liking it, loving it even, but as time went on you grew tired of it. You noticed the shortcomings when new and more powerful cars arrived on the scene. Eventually you started to dislike your own ride and the only thing that came to mind when thinking about it were the bad things and what other vehicles did better. As you grow older you wish for a new car each and every day, but I bet you everything in the world when it’s time to say goodbye, you won’t feel so good. Nostalgia sets in and suddenly you realize it’s not about the car, it’s the memories from a time when you were younger and perhaps saw the world with different eyes. The car represents that time and getting rid of it is like losing a bit of yourself. Saying goodbye is harder than you ever thought it would be.

Kobe Bryant is like that for basketball. A lot of you reading this blogpost are from a generation that did not get to see Michael Jordan play. Whether you like it or not you grew up watching Kobe. Yes, you heard about Jordan, you have seen countless MJ clips on youtube, but there was no suspense. You already know how the story ends, when the vid is still loading. You know Jordan won six rings and dominated the NBA. He was the best there ever was, because that’s what everyone says. But the clips on Youtube are highlights, showing Jordan only at his best. Things like poor shot selection, turnovers, airballs, selfishness and failure have been cut from the clips leaving the impression he was flawless. But he wasn’t. And that’s okay. Kobe is neither.

I hope someday that will be okay as well.

Until then let’s enjoy the last four months of Kobe Bryant’s career for what they are. The end of a legendary career and the beginning of a legacy that will resonate with basketball players and fans all over the world for many generations.

Okay, maybe I liked him a little bit.

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Last Man Standing

Kobe Bryant is the only active player left of the incredible 1996 NBA class. In my opinion the best draft of all time. (From left to right standing: Marcus Camby, Stephon Marbury, Kobe Bryant, Shareef Abdur-Rahim, Jermaine O’Neal, Steve Nash, John Wallace, Antoine Walker. Sitting from left to right: Ray Allen, Kerry Kittles, Samaki Walker). A.I. is M.I.A.

30 Legendary Pics – 20 Legendary Years

These are our favorite Kobe Bryant pics of all time. Thanks to FIVE-Magazine and Getty Images for providing these awesome pictures.

LOS ANGELES – JUNE 14: Guard Kobe Bryant #8, center Shaquille O’Neal #34 and forward Rick Fox #17 of the Los Angeles Lakers hold up the their three championship trophies during the Lakers championship victory parade in Los Angeles, California on June 14, 2002. The Lakers swept the New Jersey Nets in four games. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2002 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE/Getty Images)

CLEVELAND – FEBRUARY 8: Kobe Bryant #8 of the Los Angeles Lakers goes up for one of his slam dunks that won first place in the NBA All-Star Slam Dunk Contest at Gund Arena on February 8, 1997 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory copyright notice: Copyright NBAE 2002 (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE/Getty Images)

ATLANTA – FEBRUARY 9: Kobe Bryant #8 of the Western Conference All Stars talks with Michael Jordan #23 of the Eastern conference All Stars during the 2003 NBA All-Star Game at the Phillips Arena on February 9, 2003 in Atlanta, Georgia. The West won 155-145 in the first ever double-overtime All-Star Game. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2003 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE/Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES – 2002: Kobe Bryant #8 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives under the basket for a reverse dunk against the San Antonio Spurs at the Staples Center circa 2002 in Los angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/ NBAE via Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES – 2000: Head Coach Phil Jackson, center, Shaquille O’Neal #34 and Kobe Bryant #8 of the Los Angeles Lakers pose for a portrait at the Staples Center circa 2000 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2000 NBAE. (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)

ORLANDO – NOVEMBER 12: Kobe Bryant #8 of the Los Angeles Lakers makes a dunk against Dwight Howard #12 of the Orlando Magic at TD Waterhouse Centre on November 12, 2004 in Orlando, Florida. The Magic won 122-113. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2004 NBAE (Photo by: Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES – 1998: Kobe Bryant #8 of the Los Angeles Lakers goes up for a reverse slam dunk against the Minnesota Timberwolves during an NBA game at the Staples Center circa 1998 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1998 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES – JUNE 6: Allen Iverson #3 of the Philadelphia 76ers shoots a layup against Kobe Bryant #8 of the Los Angeles Lakers in game one of the 2001 NBA Finals on June 6, 2001 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2001 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)

PHILADELPHIA – JUNE 15: Kobe Bryant #8 poses with the NBA Championship trophy after defeating the Philadelphia 76ers in game five of the 2001 NBA Finals played June 15, 2001 at the First Union Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2001 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)

INDIANAPOLIS – 2000: Kobe Bryant #8 of the Los Angeles Lakers makes a pass to teammate Shaquille O’Neal #34 of the Los Angeles Lakers while being defended by Travis Best #4 of the Indiana Pacers during a game in 2000 at Conseco Field House in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2000 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)

NEW YORK – 2000: Kobe Bryant #8 of the Los Angeles Lakers attempts to pass while being guarded by Patrick Ewing #33 of the New York Knicks in 2000 at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2000 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)

INGLEWOOD, CA – JULY 11: Kobe Bryant holds a #8 Los Angeles Lakers jersey after being the 13th overall pick in the 1996 NBA Draft by the Charlotte Hornets who then traded his draft rights to the Los Angeles Lakers on July 11, 1996 in Inglewood, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1996 NBAE (Photo by Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images)

2000: Kobe Bryant #8 and Shaquille O”Neal#34 of the Los Angeles Lakers pose for a portrait with the Championship Trophy after defeating the Indiana Pacers in Game 6 of the NBA Finals at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.Mandatory copyright notice: Copyright 2002 NBAEMandatory credit: Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE/Getty Images

1 Jan 2001: Kobe Bryant #8 of the Los Angeles Lakers goes in for a slam dunk against the New Jersey Nets during the NBA game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA.NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.Mandatory copyright notice: Copyright 2002 NBAEMandatory credit: Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE/Getty Images

LOS ANGELES – JUNE 19: Shaquille O’Neal #34 and Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers pose with Lakers legend Magic Johnson after winning the NBA Championship trophy after defeating the Indiana Pacers in Game Six of the 2000 NBA Finals on June 19, 2000 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2000 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES – 2000: Shaquille O’Neal #34 and Kobe Bryant #8 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrate a big win after a 2000 NBA game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2000 NBAE (Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images)

NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 8: Kobe Bryant #8 of the Los Angeles Lakers attempts a dunk during the 1998 NBA All-Star Game on February 8, 1998 at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1998 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES – 2001: Kobe Bryant #8 of the Los Angeles Lakers digs in on defense against Allen Iverson #3 of the Philadelphia 76ers during a 2001 NBA game at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2001 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES, CA – MAY 07: NBA Commissioner David Stern presents Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers the MVP Trophy before the start of Game Two of the Western Conference Semifinals against the Utah Jazz during the 2008 NBA Playoffs on May 7, 2008 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)*** Local Caption *** Kobe Bryant;David Stern

LOS ANGELES – MAY 7: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers walks across the court in Game Two of the Western Conference Semifinals against the Utah Jazz during the 2008 NBA Playoffs on May 7, 2008 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. The Lakers won 120-110. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2008 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)

BEIJING – AUGUST 24: Kobe Bryant #10 of the United States reacts after making a three point shot and drawing a foul in the fourth quarter of the gold medal game against Spain during Day 16 of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games at the Beijing Olympic Basketball Gymnasium on August 24, 2008 in Beijing, China. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES – MARCH 19: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers wraps his arm around teammate Ron Artest #37 during a break in the action of their game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Staples Center on March 19, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2010 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES, CA – JUNE 17: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers holds up the Larry O’Brien trophy after the Lakers defeated the Boston Celtics in Game Seven of the 2010 NBA Finals at Staples Center on June 17, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES – JUNE 17: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates after Game Seven of the 2010 NBA Finals on June 17, 2010 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2010 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 02: Pau Gasol #16 of the Los Angeles Lakers puts his arm around teammate Kobe Bryant #24 during the third quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at Staples Center on November 2, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. The Lakers defeated the Grizzlies 124-105. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

INGLEWOOD, CA – FEBRUARY 1: Kobe Bryant #8 of the Los Angeles Lakers defends against Michael Jordan #23 of the Chicago Bulls on February 1, 1998 at The Forum in Inglewood, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1998 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)

DENVER, CO – DECEMBER 30: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers stands on the court during the game against the Denver Nuggets on December 30, 2014 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2014 NBAE (Photo by Bart Young/NBAE via Getty Images)

HONOLULU, HI – OCTOBER 4: Jordan Clarkson #6 and Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers huddle during a preseason game against the Utah Jazz at the Stan Sheriff Center on October 4, 2015 in Honolulu, Hawaii. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2015 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 29: A letter from Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers to the fans is displayed before the game against the Indiana Pacers on November 29, 2015 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2015 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)

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The Shoe History of Kobe Bryant

All oncourt shoes Kobe wore during his 20 years in the NBA…