 By Jeremy Fitch and Robert Jeffrey
I’m not the greatest at goodbyes, but this is what we all hope is a see you later. Naturally, I do not think any of us believed this day would come. Even Celtics fans can sit back and set everything else aside and say see you later Kobe, and like the rest of the NBA, have been in awe of your game for years. Kobe has been incredible and it has been an honor growing up with the #8 and going through the teen years with the #24. Kobe is and should be a role model for all young kids aspiring to perform at their best in any athletic platform. His work ethic is unparalleled and his jump-shot is absolutely untouchable. His love for the game has been unconditional and so pure. I think we all may have taken for granted what we have witnessed over the years, but sitting back and looking at it at the doorstep of an incredible career, we can only sit here in awe. I guess what I am trying to say is, while so many of us are not Los Angeles Lakers fans, Kobe Bryant will forever be one of the greatest players we will see in our lifetime. I mean just look at these accolades, 5 NBA Championships, 17-All Star Appearances, 2-Olympic Gold Medals, 1- NBA MVP Award (yes folks…I can’t believe there wasn’t more than one), Multiple NBA Finals Appearances and 20 years spent wearing the purple and gold. Kobe Bryant has delivered to all of us the finest basketball imaginable and a scoring ability that cannot be duplicated by any of the young stars in the NBA. During his 20 years in LA, Kobe has become an international icon and has proven to all of us that all we need is a dream and the work ethic to make anything we love a reality. Kobe, thank you for teaching all of us how the game of basketball is truly played at an elite level. I, as well as many others, wish you the best in your retirement and we hope to see you soon, either on the sidelines or in the press box. For now Kobe, we say see you later, but never goodbye! |