In an interview done by ESPN’s Jemele Hill at the Staples Center on Saturday night for the BET Awards Kobe Bryant was asked an array of attention-grabbing questions, and as always his responses were flawless mainly because he just kept it 100. Let’s just start with one of his first quotes, which prematurely may possibly go down as one the greatest Kobe lines ever.
Kobe is asked about not being a great friend all the time. His response: “Friends come and go but banners hang forever.”
— Baxter Holmes (@BaxterHolmes) June 28, 2015
I have a strong feeling that this line is going to be a catchphrase for quite a while, might even go as far as being the Lakers new slogan. But I might be taking that too far. He also commented on his demeanor in the NBA with a hilarious movie reference:
Kobe referred to himself as the “basketball Gran Torino”: pic.twitter.com/UhjmLyym3K
— Baxter Holmes (@BaxterHolmes) June 28, 2015
This is not the first time Bryant has spoken about the sacrifices he’s made, in an interview with Chuck Klosterman forGQ earlier this year, Bryant spoke honestly on the subject, admitting that his inability to be a great friend is a weakness for him.
Do you miss the idea of having a great friendship?
Of course. It’s not like I’m saying, ‘I don’t need friends because I’m so strong.’ It’s a weakness. When I was growing up in Italy, I grew up in isolation. It was not an environment suited to me. I was the only black kid. I didn’t speak the language. I’d be in one city, but then we’d move to a different city and I’d have to do everything again. I’d make friends, but I’d never be part of the group, because the other kids were already growing up together. So this is how I grew up, and these are the weaknesses that I have.
What we fans will always know and appreciate about Kobe is that he says what he wants and Kobe Bryant does what he wants, there are just no other alternatives in his world. But Kobe will always be Kobe. His reflection on his past is very enlightening and as a fan I truly appreciate the openness. You can watch the full interview with Kobe right here.
