Philadelphia Fans Showered Kobe Bryant With Boos 19 Years Ago During 2002 NBA All-Star Game
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Kobe Bryant is a beloved figure in Philadelphia but that wasn't the case 19 years ago during the 2002 NBA All-Star Game. Philly fans unmercifully booed the 23-year-old Bryant and the young superstar wasn't quite happy about it.
One of the big reasons the pride of Lower Merion High School wasn't cheered that night -- the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Philadelphia 76ers in the NBA Finals the previous season.
"My feelings are hurt, man. I mean, I'm just out there trying to play and have a good time. My feelings are hurt being from Philadelphia," Bryant told sportscaster Jim Gray during a midgame interview.
Bryant added that he didn't know why Philly fans turned on him.
"No, I don't know, but all I can do is go out there and continue to play and have a good time and support the city which I started my basketball career," Bryant said.
It didn't get any better for Bryant after he was named the game's MVP for dropping 31 points in the West's 135-120 win over the East.
"It feels good to come home. I know the fans are booing, but nonetheless, it feels good to come home and play in front of the home crowd. I had a chance to go back to the high school and see my family, it's good to be here," Bryant said after the game. "It's a little different, but home is home, and I enjoy coming back, even though the reception isn't warm I still enjoyed coming back."
Philly fans eventually warmed up to the Hall-of-Famer, giving him multiple standing ovations throughout his career when he came back to play the Sixers.
Bryant, his daughter Gianna, and seven others lost their lives on Jan. 26, 2020, when the helicopter they were flying in crashed.
