A Seat At The Table
It’s hard to believe that it has been twenty years since Kobe Bryant walked on stage with that million dollar smile and shook Commissioner David Stern’s hand as he put on that Charlotte Hornets hat. It almost does not feel real that tomorrow night, when he takes off that Lakers jersey, he will never again put it back on to wow us fans with another magical performance. And while it is sad to see the end of an unbelievable story, it also feels good knowing that I witnessed greatness from the very beginning to the final conclusion – having seen a whole bunch of buckets, a hand full of rings, some ridiculous plays, and one historical career along the way. Kobe Bryant can walk away from the game of basketball knowing that he gave it his all, accomplished his goals, and cemented a legacy as one of the greatest ever. He can be proud in knowing that when the best of the best are called together someplace a million years from now, that he’ll not only get an invite to the party, but that he’ll also have a seat at the table.
via A Seat At The Table.
mclyne32 (Director) 9:50 AM on April 14, 2016 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Love it.
Nobody but Kobe could end such a spectacular career in the fashion he did last night.
I still can’t believe that he put up 60, and willed his team to win over a good defensive squad with the awful shape his body is in.
LEGENDARY.
keen observer 10:52 AM on April 14, 2016 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Credit the Lakers organization for doing it right. Dr. Buss single-handedly transformed the NBA from a sporting event to an entertainment event, which it is in EVERY arena now and his daughter obviously learned well from him. Perhaps NOW some free agents might give the Lakers a second thought because nobody treats their superstars better, but they’ll probably poossy out because them’s some BIG shoes to fill.
mclyne32 (Director) 11:53 AM on April 14, 2016 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Last night definitely helped increase the luster of our brand.
Will it be enough to lure top tier FA’s?
I sure hope so.
tate793 12:37 PM on April 14, 2016 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Yes, Mr Keen. You are 100% correct! I’d like to add this. Nobody treats their fans better, either!
keen observer 4:09 PM on April 14, 2016 Permalink | Log in to Reply
That is also 100% correct, Mr. Tate! I’d like to see the fans show some appreciation and have some serious patience because they know we will be back at some point. There needs to be some serious restructuring in the basketball operations, no doubt, but we must have patience with that, too.
John M. 4:16 PM on April 14, 2016 Permalink
If the brand had a balance sheet, it would be heavily in the black. They’ve earned our loyalty and patience many, many times over. That is why I will always support all facets of the organization.
tate793 7:33 PM on April 14, 2016 Permalink
Yep. Patience is a tough commodity to master. To lash out at what one considers the source of their pain or discomfort is human nature. We must learn to master our nature, as well. Finding fault in others is also an easy thing to do. Pointing fingers from the gallery when we weren’t the ones so recently deprived of our forever father figure, is also easy. I imagine, there were plenty of times that even the simplest of decisions were an immense task for Jerry’s kids after he left this earth. Patience for the eventuality of the franchise’s return to it’s usual excellence is one thing. Patience for the grieving process and readjustment of one’s everyday life without the presence of a father like Dr Jerry Buss is a whole ‘nother animal.
Seely_Iggy (Director) 1:41 PM on April 14, 2016 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Great point, Keen! The celebration of Kobe was quite something to behold.
mud 11:20 AM on April 14, 2016 Permalink | Log in to Reply
hear, hear!
NBA4ever 12:25 PM on April 14, 2016 Permalink | Log in to Reply
The power of the Laker brand was on display last night. Kobe trumped the Warriors record breaking night all over the television as well as social media. I live in the bay area surrounded by Warrior fans. My social media is filled with Warrior posts everyday …..the usual diehard fans posted their love for the Warriors, but my feed was filled with Kobe amazement by all types.
tate793 7:45 PM on April 14, 2016 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Yeah, Sean. Really ironic that ESPN moved the retirement game from ESPN to ESPN2 because they felt it was not as newsworthy. Yet, what occurred at Staples Center will go down in history as a once-in-a-lifetime event. Kobe’s longevity, Kobe’s legacy, Kobe’s excellence and Kobe’s iron will shall never be duplicated. Kobe’s career and Kobe’s final game will never be duplicated.
mclyne32 (Director) 1:56 PM on April 14, 2016 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Did you guys see those rings that Jeannie presented Kobe and Vennessa with?
What a generous going away gift.
tate793 7:45 PM on April 14, 2016 Permalink | Log in to Reply
The rings were unbelievable.
Jamie Sweet (Local Ne'er-Do-Well) 8:34 PM on April 14, 2016 Permalink | Log in to Reply
yup, class acts all around.