Lots of Laker haters out there and for reasons I can comprehend. So, my man, how is that you grew up watching 80’s showtime AC Green - Grab Board - Outlet to Magic - Full Court Overhead Baseball Pass to Worthy - Streaking Down The Wing - Statue of Liberty Dunk - and not be a Lakers fan today?
Kobe Bryant.
Enough said. He was a little punk 17 year old kid with an arrogant swagger. Today he is a role model to millions. Which is interesting…not long ago he was accused of rape and lucked out of a trial because, by all appearances, he was able to buy off his accuser in a civil settlement.
But who cares really, I don’t root for the character of a player. I root for the ability. What he does for the name, the history, and the legacy on the front of the jersey is important to me. You’re talking to someone who grew up absolutely fascinated by these larger than life players. When my Dad first took me as a 9 year old boy to the corner of Manchester and Prairie and I saw the stadium lights shining on the majestic pillars of the Forum, I knew I was a Laker fan for life.
And so you hate Kobe. You hate his arrogance. You hate his Prima Donna attitude. You hate his manufactured image.
But what does he do for you as a fan of basketball? Does he entertain you? Does he leave you in awe? Does he knock down last second threes so you get free Jack in the Box tacos? Yes. Yes. And Yes.
All Kobe does is provide you with a truly great fan experience when you watch him play.
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There is something very settling and peaceful every time I hang up the phone after talking with my father. I can’t say that my sisters feel the same way about him:
He’s sneaky. He’s shady. You can’t trust him.
Which is understandable. There were poor decisions made on his part as a husband to my mother. But where I differ from my sisters is that I ignore the decisions he made as a husband and look at his actions as a father to his son.
Did he feed me? Did he watch my soccer games? Did he give me an education? Did he call from work in 1988 when I was in third grade and tell me to turn on the TV to watch the Lakers Championship parade?
Absolutely, he did.
All my Dad ever did was provide for me, which is what fathers are supposed to do for their children. He saw early on that I had an interest in sports, he nurtured those interests…and one day, I hope I can do the same for my future kids.
Meantime, I’ll just have people over and make Beer Can Chicken for all my friends while we watch the game.
