The NBA world was electrified with grief upon hearing the news of Kobe Bryant’s death. After 20 years of stardom in Los Angeles, Kobe was making a name for himself in his post-basketball life as a businessman, mentor, and (most importantly) as a Father.
To the Lakers organization, in particular, he was a lifeline. Even after his amazing 20-year career with them, Bryant was someone who the Lakers looked to for guidance. He was family, really. So when the team elected to postpone Tuesday’s game against the Clippers, nobody was really all that surprised.
But if you ask Stephen A. Smith, it’s a decision he respectfully disagrees with.
"Totally respect where the NBA, the Lakers organization and everybody is coming from. I just respectfully disagree with the decision."
– @stephenasmith on the NBA postponing Tuesday's Clippers-Lakers game pic.twitter.com/yj8kC5z2XC
— First Take (@FirstTake) January 28, 2020
In Smith’s eyes, the Lakers canceling their game is not something Kobe would have wanted. In that respect, he may be right. But is it really fair to the players and staff to make them play in light of such severe circumstances? To say their mourning would make it tough to perform might be an understatement.
Nonetheless, regardless of Stephen A.’s objections, it’s a done deal and the organization has some more time to gather themselves before they take the court again.
As a 5x Champion, sure-fire Hall of Famer, and 4th All-Time leading scorer, Kobe will obviously go down as one of the greatest players the league has ever known.
But he was so much more than that. As he made abundantly clear in his years after retirement, his impact stretches well beyond the basketball court. He was a friend, a businessman, a coach, a mentor, an artist, a husband, and a father.
Clearly, he will be sorely missed.
