The inspirational role that Kobe Bryant played in the Los Angeles Lakers championship did not start when he tragically passed away in a helicopter crash. From the very beginning, Kobe was an instrumental part of the Lakers’ culture. Not only was his best friend and former agent Rob Pelinka running the Lakers, his presence as an advisor for Lakers owner Jeanie Buss was also a key.
According to Anthony Davis, every time Bryant would see the Lakers, he would tell them that this was their year to win a championship, according to Silver Screen and Roll.
“For Kobe, I know he’s looking down on us super proud. Before the tragedy, he would come to the game and just tell us, ‘This is y’all year. This is y’all year. Go out and take it,’” Davis said following Game 6. “He had a lot of confidence in our team. He had a lot of confidence in our organization to go out there and win it this year.”
Bryant’s belief in the Lakers was validated by a championship.
