Pau Gasol loved Kobe Bryant.
Millions world-wide did.
Gasol also loved the “Black Mamba.’’
That’s where the one-time Bulls big man was in the minority.
When celebrating the life and death of Bryant, it’s important to distinguish Bryant from the “Mamba’’ because the two were very different.
Bryant, 41, was killed in a helicopter crash on Sunday afternoon, completely shaking the very foundation of not only the NBA, but the entire sports world.
That was the force he commanded.
In his auto-documentary “Muse,’’ however, Bryant talked about how he had to create the “Black Mamba’’ persona to deal with the 2003 sexual assault charges – and the pending court case that followed.
“I went from a person who was at the top of his game, had everything coming, to a year later, having absolutely no idea where life is going or if you are even going to be a part of life as we all know it,’’ Bryant said in the documentary. “I had to separate myself. It felt like there were so many things coming at once. It was just becoming very, very confusing. I had to organize things. So I created The Black Mamba.’’
Kobe Bryant handled the personal challenges. “The Mamba’’ handled everything and anything on the court.
And damn right, he was difficult on teammates.
“He’s got that Alpha personality, character,’’ Gasol said in a 2015 interview with the Sun-Times. “You just got to understand where he’s coming from and work with him the best you can. Don’t try and bump heads with him. It’s not going to work out really well, so I understood, and my personality fit in perfectly with his and the team at the time.
“He’s just a hard, hard-working guy that wants to be the best. He doesn’t settle for anything less, and he’s always going to try to be and will be exceptional.’’
That’s why the news on Bryant was so devastating. What he did on the basketball court in picking up the mantle from former Bull legend Michael Jordan was legendary. Five NBA Championships, playing with Los Angeles Lakers his entire career.
What he was doing post-basketball career was just as “exceptional,’’ winning the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film for “Dear Basketball.’’
Hollywood was just the next court for the “Mamba’’ to excel on, while Bryant had reworked his image into being a stellar father.
That’s what former Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau wanted to focus on. The man and the journey. Thibodeau coached against the Lakers in the title game when he was an assistant with Boston, and maintained a relationship with Bryant off the court since.
“It’s just heart-breaking,’’ Thibodeau said to the Sun-Times after hearing the news. “It’s stunning, it’s devastating, it’s all of those things. This guy, and it’s not just what he was as a basketball player, that’s obvious to anyone that watched him play. And I knew him when he was in high school, and just to watch him grow up and all the things he was able to achieve. To continue on after his playing career, just a remarkable human being, a remarkable father. It’s devastating on all levels in terms of his family, his Laker family, just so sad.’’
But when talking about Bryant’s life, especially in Chicago, as big a shadow as Bryant cast on the NBA, he will forever be in Jordan’s shadow.
Jordan’s legacy was the ghost he chased, not only from a title standpoint, but for a time he even started to sound like Jordan in interviews, mimicking his mannerisms.
And while Bryant never fully reached Jordan’s legend, both he and LeBron James were as close as it gets.
“I am in shock over the tragic news of Kobe’s and Gianna’s passing. Words can’t describe the pain I’m feeling. I loved Kobe – he was like a little brother to me. We used to talk often, and I will miss those conversations very much. He was a fierce competitor, one of the greats of the game and a creative force. Kobe was also an amazing dad who loved his family deeply – and took great pride in his daughter’s love for the game of basketball. Yvette joins me in sending my deepest condolences to Vanessa, the Lakers organization and basketball fans around the world,’’ Jordan said in a statement.
Bulls vice president of basketball operations John Paxson sent out this statement: “The Chicago Bulls organization is terribly saddened about the sudden passing of Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna, and the other passengers in today’s horrific helicopter crash in California,’’ Paxson said. “While he leaves us far too soon, his legacy and persona will forever be remembered. One of the best to have ever played the game of basketball, we extend our deepest sympathies to the Bryant family and the other families affected.’’
Former President Barack Obama also issued a heart-felt Tweet: “Kobe was a legend on the court and just getting started in what would have been just as meaningful a second act. To lose Gianna is even more heartbreaking to us as parents. Michelle and I send love and prayers to Vanessa and the entire Bryant family on an unthinkable day.’’
Just a trickle of the out-pouring in the wake of Bryant’s death and the death of his daughter, Gianna.
“I’m shook….. idk what to think right now,’’ Bulls guard Zach LaVine wrote.
“I’m stunned. Words can’t even come close to describing it. Just an incredibly sad and tragic day,’’ former Bulls great Scottie Pippen Tweeted out.
And of course, Gasol.
“Beyond devastated… my big brother,’’ Gasol wrote. “I can’t, I just can’t believe it.’’
