As the Los Angeles Lakers struggle to stay within striking distance of the play-in, many fans have already given up hope of salvaging the season. And as some look for fingers to point, others find themselves reflecting on better times.
On Twitter this week, users acknowledged the anniversary of Kobe’s final visit to Staples Center (now Crypto.com arena) and it caused quite a stir of emotions.
3 years ago today, Kobe’s final time at Staples Center 😢 pic.twitter.com/l3oZooTkSO
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) December 29, 2022
Kobe and Gianna made a surprise appearance to the arena that day and sat courtside as his Lakers put the clamps on Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks. That season, of course, would finish with a championship for the Purple and Gold — a championship that Kobe never got to see.
Kobe Bryant’s Passing Shook The NBA Entire World
Bryant was more than just a star basketball player. In many ways, he was a representative for the people of Los Angeles. As a hard-working, dedicated, and wise athlete, he was revered by the city (and the world) for his work both on and off the court.
Unfortunately, it would only be days after this game that Bryant and Gianna fell victim to the helicopter crash that claimed many lives. The news shocked the NBA, and it’s still something that weighs heavily on many minds today.
“I see the Kobe thing. So now I’m like, it gotta be a hoax. Because I was watching the game when Bron passed him up, probably just somebody messing around on the internet and then the calls just kept coming in and then you go watch TV,” said Bryant’s former teammate, Shaquille O’Neal. “And it just hit. It put me in a ‘I should have’ mode. I should have spent more time with my sister. I should have reached out to the young fella, I should’ve just called and just check on him, I should’ve. And you know things like that you can never get back, right?”
In a way, it seems like the spirit of the Lakers died with Kobe that day. While LeBron James was able to secure a championship a few months later, it was all downfall from there for the franchise.
Today, the Lakers are back to being a complete disaster and Bryant would have hated to see it like this. Rob Pelinka and Jeanie Buss owe it to him, and to LeBron, to make the most of the star talent they have.
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