...It’s really like no other. Each year I try to make it to one Laker game, whether it was in Detroit or Atlanta. Fwiw the Lakers are undefeated in the games I go to, so ahem, Jeanie, hook me up with season tickets, please. I’ve never been to a game in Staples, but from the perspective of a road fan, let me tell you, watching Kobe Bryant in person solidifies why he will always be my favorite player.
I’ve done writeups/summaries on past games I’ve went to, and they are all strikingly similar. From the moment you walk in, the building always has a buzz to it. Different feel than a game vs. any other team. You see the #24 jerseys, you hear the Laker fans chirping, you just feel the excitement, the anticipation.
Even something as routine as shoot arounds, all eyes are on Kobe. How many shots is he going to make? How much lift is he getting? He’s looking extra focused so he’s about to put a little extra into the beatdown tonight. Fear, bitterness, resentment, hate from the opposing fans. Maybe there’s some respect, doesn’t matter, their sorry ass team doesn’t have the prestige of the Lakers or the greatness of Kobe Bean on their side. Our side has the trump card, so we're hyped, pumped up for what surely will be another 81 point game, or at least 50+ with a game winner and a death stare. Whatever it is, it’s going to be a show.
And that’s just it. The man has always put on a show. The entertainment value is priceless. What's he going to do? Who knows. But all eyes are on #24. From shoot around, introductions, opening tip, to the final buzzer. It’s a joy to watch. Oh, Old Washed Up 36 Year Old about to get a looseball and go on a fast break...for a layup? The energy in the crowd instantly changes…”Get ‘em Kooobbee!” Crosses over some poor schmuck -here comes the oohs-, pump fakes that pleb help defender -here comes the ahhs-, fades away and swishes it? Jubilation. Clanks? Disappointment, but I’d be damned if there’s another player who can keep a crowd wanting more for as long as Kobe has. And yes, the MVP chants on the road are very real and very fun to be a part of.
Watching him out there today, I’m reminded that I may only have a couple more chances to see one of the greatest to ever play do his thing. Or this may have been my last. Who knows. What I do know, and have always appreciated was the sublime play and value he has brought to the Lakers. That post up, fake left, pump fake, fadeaway swish? That’s a product of doin’ work. The lift may not be the same anymore, the separation from the defender may not be there, but year after year, the work, the dedication to his craft, the singular focus to get every last ounce out of his potential, was always there. That unparalleled commitment deserves great admiration. Everyone says it to the point where you forget what it really means, but all of that work, focus, desire, and follow through to try and be the greatest to ever do it, cannot be understated.
Look at the mileage. Look at the age. Look at the cir stances. 45,000+ minutes, very few have played as much. 36 years old, 19th season. Even fewer have played this many seasons, let alone for the same team. Torn achilles, fractured knee. Those are just the recent ones. Forget the busted finger on his shooting hand or any other issues a 19 year career will lead to. Injuries the one this guy suffered end careers, or at least severely diminish a player. Not Kobe. He relied on the one thing to get him back. Work ethic. Countless hours of rehab, treatment, whatever it took. Yes, we know Father Time is undefeated, but Kobe has, and continues to, give the best fight possible. That's all we can ask for. Frankly, after the career he's had, no one could have rightly blamed him for calling it a career or coming back a s of himself. But nope, that's not, and will never be Kobe.
I’m sitting here watching this guy still showing off his skills as if he’s in his 12th year. Which by the way, was around the time he already 3 rings, a MVP, and an 81 point game. That was also 7 years ago. No, it’s of course not the same. That’s obvious. But, #24 is a machine, a marvel. The core of his game, the skills, are still there. Truly embodies everything I respect in an athlete and compe or. That compe ive fire and fearlessness, attention to detail and skillset, unwavering belief in himself, been lucky to have watched his career. I appreciate greatness and someone who brought 5x rings, 81 points, 62 in 3 quarters, 50+ in 4 straight, and countless memories.
But yeah, he was supposed to FINALLY be “done” “washed up” “40th best player”. They’ve been digging his grave for so long, eventually they’ll be right. Good for them. Meanwhile, I sit back and enjoy the awe inspiring show from Kobe Bean Bryant, Black Mamba, #24, game after game, year after year. I just hope I can see it in person a couple more times.
(I really envy you guys who have the chance to see Laker games in LA! I can't even imagine how awesome that must be.)