I love seeing what Kobe meant for the world, but what he meant for So Cal is something that hurts so much beyond belief.
The same way Magic and Larry saved the NBA, had Gigi's talents progressed the way it could have (and there was no reason to think otherwise given her genetics, resources and from what everyone said about her inheriting Kobe's work ethic), could have saved the WNBA and potentially made the league actually viable, that part hurt as much as anything. The sports world wasn't just robbed of Kobe, but of Gigi too.
Wasn't expecting to cry on my way to work, but the radio was especially heartbreaking today. Heard a mother talking about how she went through a brutal divorce, and had to raise her two kids by herself, and the thing that brought her and her kids closer together was rooting for Kobe and the Lakers. I know most Laker fans have some sort of story like that. In a city where most of us have to fucking grind it out (in the midst of unimaginable wealth and luxury) just to survive, it meant a lot seeing a guy at that top echelon who had an even greater work ethic than everyone busting their asses at some menial job. It just feels so strange and fucking sad.
Coincidentally there was a workout at my gym today called 3-Peat - it's 3 rounds of 10 stations and you get one point if you hit the rep target. I got 8 points each round and a total of 24. Mamba
Friday night is going to be insanely emotional. Not sure how long it will take things to wear off, but I am sure it will be hard for all players to focus. But giving them the whole week is a good start.
Ryen Russillo podcast with Mike Tirico and Bobby Marks was really good. Tirico talks about the last game and Marks is talking about draft workouts.
I'm still in shock. All these images of him and his daughter keep hitting me and knowing that two other kids lost their lives really hits hard. Either the Le batard show or another show on espn pointed out how tragic those last moments with his daughter had to have been and it made me choke up a little bit. I know I should be moving on because its not like I met him but damn it's still feels weird and crazy.
can we applaud the Utah coach that called the unnecessary TO after the clarkson dunk, to let Kobe go out.
I think he really just did that to advance the ball. Seeing his wife and daughters so happy these last few minutes is rough. Especially Gianna, obviously.
the guy stepping across the line too. I watched this game originally and it was emotional but fuck now it hits different. It’s strange to think how he went crazy in the last 3 minutes of the game.
little more poignant. Sometimes I feel Like I don't have a partner Sometimes I feel Like my only friend Is the city I live in The city of angels Lonely as I am Together we cry It's hard to believe That there's nobody out there It's hard to believe That I'm all alone At least I have her love The city she loves me Lonely as I am Together we cry
Allergies really hit when he knocked down the 3. Next pull up J was vintage Kobe. The wink for his family. It’s just brutal.
This isn't getting any better. TMac had me crying, actually a lot of this has me crying. I miss my hero who somehow felt more like a brother.
Tiger's response was tough, too, since they actually caught on camera the moment his caddy told him. Also, Snoop's reaction to Kobe's last 3 will always be one of my favorite things.
Paul Pierce is basically the Isaiah Thomas to Kobe's MJ. Mad that a better player took over his hometown team and became 100x more beloved than they ever did or could.
I still can't believe it. I guess Monday will be some closure but it still just doesn't seem real. I bought this shirt and find myself wearing it every night (as I am right now):