Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant paid a visit to the Drew League on Sunday, attending their championship game, and though he didn’t put on a jersey, it elicited memories of when the five-time champion did electrify on the circuit in 2011.
With the NBA facing a 2011 lockout, summer basketball and pickup games became mainstream for several of the league’s stars. Kevin Durant in particular was active in the grassroots scene, and LeBron James got involved by playing in a Drew League game.
Durant had also played games in Los Angeles. That fueled calls for Bryant to make an appearance in his local community, and when that moment came, he didn’t disappoint.