Dec 12, 2014; San Antonio, TX, USA; Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Kobe Bryant (24) looks to pass against San Antonio Spurs shooting guard Danny Green (14) during the first half at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
December 21st, 1996 nearly 18 years ago to the day I saw Kobe Bryant in action for the first time. Bryant was a rookie trying to crack Del Harris rotation. As for myself, I was but a basketball-loving second-grader in the formative years of my fandom.
I can recall getting picked up from my daycare the evening of the game by my Moms then-boyfriend who told me, Were going to see Kobe Bryant! Of course at the time, I had heard of Bryant, but was equally as excited to see Vlade Divac, whom I didnt realize until later had been traded for him. Youd think a kid in 1996 would be excited about Shaquille ONeal, but clearly I was evidently an odd child.
All-in-all, the only recollection I have of watching Bryant that day was an exciting dunk right in front of our baseline seats. Digging up the box score, he was good, not great. Bryant finished withfive points on 2-3 shooting with a rebound and a block in 11 minutes. Funny enough Bryants current coach, Byron Scott, also played in the contest and finished with four points on as many shots.
Nearly two decades later, Kobe Bryant sits at the precipice of surpassing his idol, Michael Jordan, for third all-time in scoring. No, hes not passing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the top spot; but considering Jordans place in history, and Jordans highly regarded perception among fans, its a significant milestone for Bryant who is seen as having playedin Michaels shadow his entire career.
Ultimately, Bryant passing Jordan doesnt mean much on a small scale; it doesnt make the Lakers better or anything. On a broader scale, its a part of how well remember Bryant when he eventually retires: five championships, one MVP, first player with 32,000 points and 6,000 assists, and third all-time in scoring after tonight.
You dont have to be a Kobe Stan to appreciate what Bryant has accomplished in his career. After all, Bryant has been a once-in-a-generation player that three generations of fans have now witnessed, and that should not be taken for granted. Appreciating the talent, the journey, and achievements throughout his career doesnt mean that he should be reflexively compared to Jordan or anyone else. For all of Bryants charms, Bryant should be appreciated for what he is and what he has accomplished.
For myself, Ill be there. However, this time Ill be covering the game from media row another thing I never would have imagined happening 18 years ago. If this is the last time I get to see Bryant play in-person, it would make for an unexpected conclusion to an unassuming beginning.
Source: http://hardwoodparoxysm.com/2014/12/14/kobe-bryant-michael-jordan-basketball/
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