The Lakers improved to a league best 11-2 after a blowout win against the Atlanta Hawks Sunday night. The Lakers looked great, but the focus was on the sidelines rather than on the court for much of the game.
Kobe Bryant was sitting court side to watch the Lakers game. It’s the first game he has attended this season, and it’s the first Lakers team that has been relevant in terms of title aspirations since he retired.
Kobe Bryant is arguably the most popular and beloved Laker of all time, and it showed during and after the game. At one point Kobe was shown on the Jumbotron and was greeted by a deafening crowd.
In another instance LeBron and Kobe high-fived on the sideline which was met by more loud cheers.
In the post game interviews, the love for Kobe continued. LeBron said he grew up “watching him, admiring him” and that “knowing… what he meant for this franchise, what he means for LA, and for me and my teammates what it means to be a part of Lakers Nation and Laker Family, it’s a beautiful thing.”
Kyle Kuzma said that Kobe has “been there for him anytime he needs him.”
Anthony Davis said that “nothing compares to what Kobe has done here, but I’m just trying to write my own story” when asked what playing on the Lakers means considering Kobe is an all time great for the franchise.
The Lakers are trying to build something special. They have been arguably the best team in the NBA so far, and have been better than even the Lakers optimists could have hoped for.
Kobe Bryant is the last vestige of Lakers greatness. Having him court side as the 2019 Lakers continue to build their own story was a truly special moment.
The road is still being paved for this Lakers team, and the road will not be as smooth as it was in the Lakers win against the Hawks.
But for one moment, the Lakers could celebrate the present with a win, and the past with Kobe, making it a great night to be a Laker fan.
