Hardwood Houdini
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A Letter from a Celtics Fan to Kobe Bryant

By John Goggin

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Dear Kobe Bryant,

I was born and raised in Massachusetts, and I’ve been a diehard Boston fan since I was a little kid. Ever since I was a Celtics fan, I hated the Lakers. That was just the way it was, like the Red Sox and the Yankees, you just couldn’t like the Lakers.

I never liked the Lakers, I still don’t, and I never will.

But I respect you.

No matter if the Celtics win by 20, or it’s a close loss, regular season or the Finals, I’ll still respect you as one of the greatest to ever do it. Your talent transcends this rivalry, and I don’t know when another player will come about that’s anything like how you played.

Never have I watched a scorer like you played, a leader on the court who could just take over games. I believe you’re the closest to Jordan we’ve ever seen, and it’ll be a long time before someone challenges that.

I’m sad to see you go. If you had told me in the 2010 Finals, after you stole Game 7 from us, that I would be sad you were leaving, I’m not sure how I would take that.

There were moments where I was amazed by what you did on the court, and sometimes I was sad for what had happened to you. The injuries have distorted how some people view you, disrespecting your legacy and trashing you everyday because you’re struggling after 20 years.

Dec 1, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (24) waves goodbye to fans at Wells Fargo Center after a game against the Philadelphia 76ers. The 76ers won 103-91. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

I couldn’t see myself writing an article about “Oh, Kobe is shooting bad.” or “He’s washed up and the Lakers suck”. That just doesn’t seem right or what you’ve done for fans and just basketball in general. You’ve changed the game in a way not many have, and that deserves a lot of respect, no matter if you’re an MVP or shooting badly. After all, whose name do people yell when they’re throwing a paper into a barrel?

These last few seasons were hard to watch, coming off a lot of injuries, an incompetent team, and coaches that didn’t know how to handle you. It’s something you didn’t deserve, but I’m happy you’re having this send off tour. Not forced to retire because of a freak injury or contract issues, you just chose to go out on your own terms, the best thing for a game changing player.

You’re one of my favorite players ever, but man I’ve hated you at times. Taking the Finals from us is something I’ll never forget, but I can’t deny greatness. You’ve spent 20 years dominating the league, coming out of high school dominant, and still you show flashes of it at 37.

Kobe, your career stands at the top as one of the most legendary of all time. An MVP trophy, countless All-Star nominations, Olympic medals, and FIVE RINGS. I’ll put all the Celtics-Lakers beef to the side to just appreciate you before you leave the league forever.

Your influence transcends your play on the court. Off the court, you’re an interesting person, a funny and hard-working guy.

Throughout your time in the league, you’ve always been a classy guy, and the Mamba mentality is legendary. Your work ethic is the top of the league, and you’re cool and collected when the game is on the line, that’s the Mamba everyone knows.

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One thing I’ve never gotten to do is to see you play in person, and December 30th is your last time playing in TD Garden. Time’s almost up, but I’m going to try and see you one last time, and I know it will be an awesome game. Look forward to a standing ovation and a LOT of boo’s, the perfect Boston farewell. I’m gonna miss the Black Mamba.

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