Kobe Bryant Admits To Missing The ‘Responsibility Of Carrying’ Lakers Tradition Forward
Kobe Bryant Gives Lakers Fans One Last Unforgettable Performance
Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

Kobe Bryant is arguably the greatest player to ever put on the purple and gold uniform of the Los Angeles Lakers. He spent 20 seasons with the organization and truly put the franchise on his back, especially after Shaquille O’Neal was traded away.

For years, Kobe was the face of the franchise and everything that happened with the team ultimately came down on his shoulders. Now that he is retired, he no longer has to think about those things. For a competitor like Kobe, however, something like that can leave a hole.

In the latest episode of “Connected With…” on Spectrum SportsNet, Kobe spoke about just that, admitting to host Chris McGee that he does miss the responsibility of carrying the Lakers franchise:

“Being a Laker, there’s a sense of pride that comes with every day coming to practice and putting on that jersey. I used to call it the golden armor. There’s just a legacy and tradition that comes along with that. I miss the responsibility of carrying this organization forward and trying to build upon the rich tradition that I grew up loving. I do miss that part.”

In his absence, the Lakers have yet to find any single player take Kobe’s spot as the true face of the franchise. Brandon Ingram seems like he could be on his way, especially after his game-winner against the Phildaelphia Sixers, while Lonzo Ball undoubtedly has a ton of pressure on him as well.

But nobody has truly stepped into the shoes that Kobe occupied as of yet.

The ability to embrace, and thrive, in that situation is something that made Kobe a special player. He lived for the pressure that came with that responsibility and there aren’t many who could do the same.

Replacing someone like that is basically impossible, Kobe has simply done too much for the franchise, and that is why he will see his jersey raised to the Staples Center rafters on Dec. 18.

WANT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DISCUSSION? CHECK OUT THE NEW LAKERSNATION FORUM CLUB

You May Also Like

Lakers News: Kobe Gets Ankle X-Ray Following Loss to Hawks

Late in the loss to the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday night, Kobe…

Lakers Players Tweets of the Week: March 9 – March 16

The Los Angeles Lakers have been officially eliminated from playoff contention and…

Lakers Pre-Draft Workout Video: SMU’s Shake Milton

The Los Angeles Lakers held their third pre-draft workout, with the latest group including combo guard Shake Milton…

Lakers News: Frank Vogel Highlights Play Of Malik Monk & Austin Reaves In Win Over Grizzlies

The Los Angeles Lakers finally got in the win column on Sunday night, hanging on to beat the Memphis Grizzlies, 121-118…