Unpacking My Unusual Infatuation With Kobe Bryant

Losing Kobe hurts. But remembering Kobe hurts too.

Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the Washington Wizards in the first half at Verizon Center on December 2, 2015 in Washington, DC. Photo: Rob Carr/Getty Images

I didn’t grow up with an undying love of sports. My seemingly unhealthy infatuation with the Los Angeles Lakers began when I felt my relationship with my younger brother starting to strain. He was a big fan of the game. Watching Lakers’ basketball together meant we could have something in common…