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IRVINE, CA – JULY 26: Kobe Bryant and daughter Gianna Bryant watch during day 2 of the Phillips 66 National Swimming Championships at the Woollett Aquatics Center on July 26, 2018 in Irvine, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
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IRVINE, CA – JULY 26: Kobe Bryant and daughter Gianna Bryant watch during day 2 of the Phillips 66 National Swimming Championships at the Woollett Aquatics Center on July 26, 2018 in Irvine, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Kobe Bryant was a role model for several generations of people who grew up watching NBA basketball. Even today, people live their lives by the principles they learned from him. Even before the Hornets drafted him into the NBA and traded him to the Lakers on draft night, he was making heads turn. His impact on society extended much further than NBA Basketball. He showed people how to live their life and not the condescending way, but by leading through example.
If he had the option to take over from Magic Johnson after he stepped down as President of basketball operations, this is what he thought about it.
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If you understand the person Kobe Bryant was, one of the key things that mattered to him was family. Especially his daughters, who he loved immensely. So even after giving his entire professional life to the Lakers, he’d give it up to be with his family.
What Kobe Bryant thought about running the Lakers
When Kobe Bryant appeared on the Ellen Show to help a fan make a shot to win her $25000, Ellen asked him an unexpected question. Since Magic had only recently stepped down back then, Ellen asked him if he would be taking over in Magic’s position. To this, he responded, “No! No! Nope! I’d be staying right on the sideline, coaching my daughters.”
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LOS ANGELES, CA – AUGUST 24: Kobe Bryant and his family, his wife Vanessa Laine Bryant, left, and daughters Gianna Maria Onore Bryant, right, and Natalia Diamante Bryant, far right, at the City Council Chambers, in Los Angeles, Calif., on Aug. 24, 2016. (Photo by Marcus Yam/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Why did Magic Johnson step down as president of basketball operations?
Magic Johnson stepped down as President of Basketball Operations in 2019. He stepped down abruptly, stating the reason that he wants to return to his old simple lifestyle. He stated he was “tired of all the backstabbing” and “whispering” that came with his job. Therefore, he stepped down from that position.
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LOS ANGELES, CA – JULY 07: Basketball players Earvin “Magic” Johnson Jr (L) and Kobe Bryant speak at the Michael Jackson public memorial service held at Staples Center on July 7, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
Since Magic was a Lakers legend, the natural narrative was that another Lakers icon should step up and replace him as the face of the franchise. Additionally, Jeanie Buss always wanted to involve Kobe more with the Lakers. However, Kobe made his priorities very clear right off the jump. His family always came first for Bryant. RIP Legend.
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