Amid chants of ‘Kobe, Kobe,’ the man returns

MANILA, Philippines - Clad in a casual black short-sleeved polo shirt and gray pants, Los Angeles Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant walked into the room with all smiles to cheers of “Kobe, Kobe.”

In town on a stormy Monday for his launch as endorser of Lenovo smartphones, Bryant said he considers the Philippines as “home away from home.”

“I like the passion for basketball, that’s the thing that drives me and that’s what I enjoy most being around here,” said the Black Mamba who is on his sixth visit to the hoop-crazy country.

Told that the Philippines had just qualified for the next year’s FIBA World Cup in Spain, where powerhouse USA awaits, Kobe joined the crowd who waited patiently for his meet and greet at Newport Theater in clapping and mouthed “That’s great.”

Being a veteran for Team USA in the Olympics and other international hoopfest, Bryant was asked what advice he can give to upstart Gilas Pilipinas.

“Just continue to play together. It’s not the strength of one individual; it’s how those individuals blend together as a team. It’s constant communication and when that happens, you can accomplish something special,” said the two-time Olympic gold medalist (2008 and 2012). 

“But you need to do it as a team. The team can hide whatever weaknesses the individuals have but if you don’t communicate constantly, you have no way of supporting (one another),” he added.

The next logical question was: “would see him play for USA in the worlds.”

“No,” was his quick response, drawing disappointing “ohhs.” “I love competing but let the young guys play. I’ve had my fun, leave the NBA championship to me,” he further stated, to loud cheers.

Bryant flew in from Beijing amid Typhoon Labuyo for Lenovo’s “Walang Iwanan Manila” Tour. 

He attended a press conference at Passion Restaurant with JD Howard, Lenovo’s VP for Mobile Internet and Digital Home Business Operations and Worldwide Business Development, Vicky Agorrilla, Lenovo Philippine country manager, and John Rojo, Open Communications Business Unit head.

He gamely posed with winners of Lenovo’s promo, led by Gilas Pilipinas cadet pool member Kevin Alas afterwhich he graced a special forum/meet and greet for Lenovo phone users at Newport Theater.

He then dropped by the Lenovo sales exhibit at SM Mall of Asia Atrium, where thousands more patiently waited to catch a glimpse of the five-time NBA champion.

Bryant reported that he’s well on his way to recovery from the torn Achilles that sidelined him in the crucial stretch of the last NBA playoffs.

“I’m not only on track, I’m really ahead of schedule,” he said, adding that he’s been working hard with his therapist and strength and conditioning coach. “I’ve been training non-stop all summer long and that’s helped me.”

He feels good about the Lakers’ chances for the coming season.

“We’ll be healthy, God willing. We’ve added a couple of young players and semi-veterans and put together players whose styles fit very well together. Hopefully, this translates into more wins,” Bryant said.

He was asked to cite his three objectives for the coming season and made clear what he really wants.

“I would say winning the sixth championship is number one; winning the sixth championship is number two, winning the sixth championship is number three,” he said, drawing claps from the crowd.