Michael Jordan retired with the Chicago Bulls after their sixth title in eight seasons in 1998 as Bryant had finished up his second season. Jordan’s running partner with Chicago, Scottie Pippen left the Bulls and played one season in Houston before joining the Portland Trail Blazers. Bryant and Pippen played in an epic series in 2000.
No play defined the Lakers dynasty of the first half of the 2000s as much as the lob from Bryant to Shaquille O’Neal in the closing minutes of a 15-point fourth-quarter comeback by the Lakers over the Pippen led Portland Trail Blazers in 2000. Today’s college athletes are not old enough to remember the play but it’s on YouTube.
Miami linebacker/defensive lineman Jaelan Phillips is one of a handful of players on the Miami Hurricanes football roster than is from California. Safety Bubba Bolden and tight end Brevin Jordan are from Las Vegas which has traditionally been a huge Lakers town. The devastating tragedy had an impact on Phillips.
Growing up in LA, Kobe was a GOD. Have so many memories of watching him play. Back to back champs vs the Celtics...being there for his first game back from his Achilles...this one hurts deep
— Jaelan Phillips ;🕴🏾® (@JJPhillips15) January 26, 2020
Collegiate athletes and coaches know what it is like to be away from their families. Coaches spend months at a time on the road when you add the time expended traveling to games and recruiting. Miami tight ends coach Stephen Field did not mention Bryant directly but he did not have to.
Leaving home and getting back safe, leaving family and seeing them again, leaving your friends and seeing them again, are all Blessings that we don’t even realize!
— Coach Field (@CoachField) January 26, 2020