For most people, social media is ever-present — no matter where they are or what they’re doing, the online world is always within arm’s reach. Even the late Kobe Bryant wasn’t immune.
In 2013, sidelined by injury, Kobe fired off a string of live tweets during a Los Angeles Lakers game, delivering sharp takes and play-by-play insights. His Twitter fingers were in full effect — until, well, Bryant chose to let them rest.
Just weeks earlier, the Purple & Gold were fighting to secure the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference. The team was riddled with injuries, but 2008 MVP Bryant gave everything — and then some — to make it happen.
The “Black Mamba” logged nearly every minute on the court, and on April 10th, he made history — becoming the first player to record 47 points, eight rebounds, five assists, four blocks, and three steals in a single NBA game.
But just two days later, the iconic 6’6″ swingman was forced to slow down. Against the Golden State Warriors, “Bean” tore his Achilles tendon — a devastating injury that ended his All-Star season.
Without their leader, the Lakers still secured a playoff spot. However, awaiting them in the first round was a daunting challenge: the 58-24 San Antonio Spurs, boasting future Hall of Famers Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili.
In Game 1, as Mike D’Antoni’s team fought to pull off an upset, KB, phone in hand, became something like a live commentator.
As soon as the jump ball was thrown, Kobe, from the sidelines, shared his plan to win the game on X (formerly Twitter). For instance, he urged his teammates to feed the ball inside to the Lakers’ big men, Pau Gasol and Dwight Howard.
Bryant also criticized their late defense on opposing guard Tony Parker, who finished with 18 points — the second higheston the court that night.
Despite Kobe’s pointed advice, which even made national headlines and was referenced during the ABC broadcast, it didn’t change the outcome. How could it? Bryant’s teammates couldn’t exactly check their Twitter feed mid-game.
Realizing that himself and understanding that his online activity probably did more harm than good, KB made that the point of his following tweet.
The next day, the Philadelphia native announced his retirement — not from basketball, but from tweeting during Lakers games.
Ultimately, the Purple & Gold lost the series decisively, getting swept 4-0. And to make matters worse, the “Black Mamba” didn’t even have a chance to distract himself during that farce.
