Kobe was a mesmerizing figure. Even the league itself was transfixed and aware of the financial bonanza he provided. Long before the NBA showed its cards and declined to take a stand on Chinese government oppression, in hopes of keeping Chinese money flowing, the NBA stuck by Kobe when he was charged with rape after a 2003 incident in Eagle, Colorado.<\/p>\n
The accuser eventually declined to cooperate with authorities, Kobe settled out of court, his reputation took only a momentary hit and the NBA continued to reap the jackpot of having Kobe as the leagues most riveting player.<\/p>\n
Even at age 37, Kobes flair didnt waver. His final season, 2015-16, was a farewell tour around the league, and he scored 60 points in his final game, April 13, 2016.<\/p>\n
Kobes enchantment continued upon NBA retirement. He stayed above the basketball fray to which so many former superstars succumb. He turned a $6 million sports-drink investment to a $200 million windfall. His production company won an Academy Award for a basketball short film.<\/p>\n
That explains Kobe Bryant best. A prom date with a Hollywood starlet before he ever got to the Lakers; an Oscar after he left the Lakers. And all kinds of basketball largess in between.<\/p>\n
Kobe was great with the media oh man, what a world it would be if Westbrook had taken his press conference tips from Kobe and from all reports great with fans.<\/p>\n
He had a great smile and a warm personality and didnt make enemies, except on the court. Kobe was both accessible and untouchable; he put himself in vulnerable positions but remained Teflon.<\/p>\n
He is the embodiment of the star-driven nature of the basketball league that made him famous, and now hes gone, at age 41, a life lived with flair.<\/p>\n
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Berry Tramel: Flair describes the life and times of the late Laker superstar Kobe Bryant - Oklahoman.com<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Kobe was a mesmerizing figure. Even the league itself was transfixed and aware of the financial bonanza he provided. Long before the NBA showed its cards and declined to take a stand on Chinese government oppression, in hopes of keeping Chinese money flowing, the NBA stuck by Kobe when he was charged with rape after a 2003 incident in Eagle, Colorado Continue reading