Lakers’ Kobe Bryant enjoys the hate in Nike commercial

The boos greeted Kobe Bryant nearly anytime he stepped on an opposing team’s court. Profanity-laced barbs also filled the arenas both when he made and missed shots.

All of which sounded like pleasant music to Bryant’s ears. Hence, Bryant’s latest Nike commercial features the Lakers’ star as a conductor toward those critics.

He calls out rival fans, who have suddenly given him standing ovations during his final season. Bryant points to former Lakers coach Phil Jackson, whose close relationship with Bryant also entailed tumultuous times over philosophical and personal differences. Bryant also sets up memorable opponents such as Paul Pierce, whose rivalry in the Lakers-Celtics Finals matchups included plenty of trash talk.

Now all those words have turned into respect, providing another beautiful soundtrack to Bryant’s storied 20-year NBA career.


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