After winning back to back in 2010, the Lakers were swept by the Dallas Mavericks in the second round of the Playoffs, ending the hopes of a three-peat. However it never stopped me from admiring Kobe Bryant. During the NBA off season, Kobe Bryant visited Singapore and I was so excited and it gave me sleepless nights thinking what if I never meet him again as it is a rare chance to get. However, luck seemed to be on my side. My mother was working in the hotel where he will be conducting some of his activities and where he will stay. It was lunch time when my mother called and asked me if I know somebody named "Kobe Bryant" as she had a chance to accompany him during her duty. I was so shocked and paused for a while, i can't believe that my mother actually interacted with my basketball hero.
I grew up watching Allen Iverson's ankle breakers and Kobes' high flying dunks and countless fadeaways. However it is Kobe's style of game that edged him from other NBA players. I quickly asked my mother to give me about the details of his activities. She told me that Kobe will be attending an opening of a new club near the hotel. I was so optimistic of meeting him and I was willing to do anything just to meet him in that point of time. I hurried outside the club and waited for more than 3 hours. It was around 6 pm when I saw children leaving the club holding Kobe Bryant jerseys and heard them telling about how happy they are to meet the legend. I was so jealous and quite sad that I don't have a formal meet and greet opportunity with my idol but that did not stopped me from waiting.
It was around 8 pm when securities and bouncers started coming out of the club and then a tall bald man came out after them. Wearing a fine suit and his diamond piercing shining from his ears. I cant believe that its finally Kobe Bryant. I only heard how slick and nice he wears into games, I never imagined seeing him personally but there he was in front of my eyes. I was taking pictures behind him as he was roaming around the mall. I was so happy to get so near to him and take a picture with him. He attended an event and visited some shops.
When he was finished, his entourage went outside where a mini-kart was waiting. He drove the mini-kart away to avoid the crowd but I did not stopped, I chased the mini-kart until he stopped. I was around 2 meters away from him when I brought out my jersey from my bag and shouted, "Kobe can you sign my jersey please! Im a big fan of you!". I put the shame on the side and took every chance to get his attention. His securities came to me and asked me to go away but Kobe came to them and told them its okay. He asked the securities to go aside and let me come to him. He shook my hand and I told him I'm a Filipino and he has a big fan base back in the Philippines. He told me with his low deep voice that he appreciate it and asked me how I am. He took my marker and held my jersey and signed it. I was in awe. I was speechless. I froze there for a moment. He gave me back my jersey and told me to take care. I was about to take a selfie with him when a crowd suddenly appeared and the security told him that its time to walk away.
It was the most unforgettable moment in my life as an NBA fan. His humility and kindness for his fans is one of the best attribute as a player. I still cherish those moments up until now. Are you excited for his arrival in Manila on June 25? Do you have any unforgettable moments with him? Share it with us.
0 Comments