Not Shaquille O’neal. Not Dwight Howard. Not even Tracy McGrady matched the euphoria that Kobe Bryant caused when he visited the country last September 5. It was already half past ten on September 4th when a friend gave me a call. I don’t remember the rest of the conversation as the only words that registered were Kobe, and Cuisine. That was probably one of the fastest drives I’ve ever taken.

One thing I know for sure, not even the president could have mobilized me the way the way he did.

I didn’t bother bringing a basketball, shirt, or even an NBA card for him to possibly sign. The guy was probably tired as hell, as he had come straight to the Philippines from the FIBA Championships which the USA had won. I had however brought my digital camera, in the hopes of sneaking in a picture. Alas, the 30-minute wait was only able to provide a few seconds glimpse of Kobe.

The following day saw me walk all the way to the Ultra from my Shaw office to witness the Supernatural experience. From the moment he rose from the elevated stage as his 81-point game was being shown, to the time he first dribbled the basketball on the parquet floor, the energy in the venue was exhilirating. Goosebumps went up my spine everytime he dribbled the ball between his legs, or everytime he made a half-motion going towards the basket. The anticipation was killing everyone. Nevertheless, he did not disappoint.

Kobe Bryant Experience 1
Kobe Bryant Experience 2
Kobe Bryant Experience 3

Fanboy-ism aside, how do you get fair value for someone who scored 81 points in a single basketball game? I think it’s safe to say that you can’t. It’s not everyday that you find a player who is always willing to carry the fate of whole team on his shoulders.

Think about it, with a few seconds left, the opposing team leading by one, and the hopes of all the basketball faithful riding on your shoulders, who would you give the ball to? KB24 baby.

Trading the Black Mamba is the worst mistake the Lakers can ever make.