Not long after his “Dear Basketball” animated film was named to the shortlist for an Oscar, Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant said taking home the gold at the 90th annual Academy Awards would be more meaningful than any of his accomplishments on the hardwood.
In the countdown to the Oscar Awards, Bryant said simply being nominated served as ‘vindication’ to not only be perceived as a basketball player. He became the first former professional athlete to be Oscar-nominated.
Bryant then added to his lists of firsts as his work won for best animated short. He reiterated that the moment felt ‘better’ than winning any of his five championships with the Lakers.
“He said that? With a straight face?” an incredulous Luke Walton said when asked for his opinion on Bryant’s remarks. “I would imagine there is some sarcasm in there. But, hey, I don’t know. That’s his call.”
Walton’s media availability continued before circling back to Bryant’s claim. The Lakers head coach was asked for his stance on the matter. “Championship,” answered Walton, nearly cutting off the question over which gold trophy he’d prefer to win. “In fact, I’m very confident I will never win an Oscar.”
Considering how open Bryant has been about his drive and passion to win as many NBA titles as possible, the notion that there’s another award that brings him more satisfaction is difficult to accept.
Nonetheless, that Bryant has climbed to the pinnacle of two different professions speaks volumes of his talent.