Kobe Bryant was my idol. As a young basketball fan growing up in LA, I couldn’t get enough of him. I’ve always had Kobe posters hanging in my room. I never missed an improbable fadeaway or emphatic dunk.
For most of my childhood, Kobe was sports.
Man, does that feel like forever go. Especially now. Especially this way.
And while I admire Kobe for acknowledging his mortality while sticking to his guns, it’s hard to watch, not because I feel bad for Kobe but because it’s pitting my heart against itself.
In their minds, the Lakers management are taking the high road, clearing the way for Bryant to end his career in jump shooting ecstasy.