Kobe Bryant’s incredible 20-season NBA career is coming to an end soon, and it’s expected anybody who’s anybody will be there to watch Black Mamba in his farewell game. However, there are two people who may not be attending the game- Kobe’s parents, Joe and Pamela.
“The relationship with family is extremely important,” he said in an interview with Andrea Kremer for HBO’s Real Sports. “You also can’t force things. And so, I hope and I pray that one day things will be better between us. Unfortunately, today is not that day.”
If you’re lost: Bryant and his parents have not seen eye-to-eye, especially since his parents auctioned off millions of dollars worth of his old memorabilia in 2013. The three were later embroiled in a legal battle in which Kobe reached an undisclosed settlement with the auction house. Among the items auctioned off were old high school basketball uniforms, rings from the Lakers’ championship win in 2000.
When asked if his parents will be at the Staples Center for his final game, he said, “I’ve thought about it, I’m not sure. Probably not.”
Let’s hope they can let bygones be bygones for one night so that they can watch their son rock the number 24 for his final night on the court.