Kobe Bryant’s explanation for traveling via helicopter is now gut-wrenching

January 27, 2020

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Kobe Bryant was known for traveling via private helicopter around the Los Angeles area, and his explanation for doing so is heartbreaking to look back on.

When he was still playing for the Los Angeles Lakers, Kobe explained in an interview that he began using a helicopter to get around when it became difficult to fulfill his basketball responsibilities while also being involved in the lives of his children.

The story behind why Kobe used a private helicopter in and around Los Angeles… pic.twitter.com/f77OM6CtT8

— Rex Chapman (@RexChapman) January 27, 2020

“I was sitting in traffic and I wound up missing, like, a school play because I was sitting in traffic,” Bryant said. “I had to figure out a way where I could still train and focus on the craft, but still not compromise family time. That’s when I looked into helicopters and being able to get down and back in 15 minutes.”

Kobe said he had settled into a routine of working out early in the morning, bringing his kids to school, then flying to Staples Center from his home in Newport Beach. After his Lakers duties were fulfilled, Bryant would fly back to help our with his kids. He said his wife Vanessa assured him she could handle it, but he insisted on being there as much as he could.

“You have road trips and times where you don’t see your kids, so every chance I get to see them and spend time with them — even if it’s 20 minutes in the car — I want that,” Kobe said.

Bryant frequently traveled by helicopter for years, even taking one to the Lakers’ championship parade in 2020. Kobe also once let former teammate Steve Blake borrow his private helicopter to get to a doctor’s appointment in time.

The Bryant tragedy isn’t getting any easier to process, which was to be expected. Between the old clips of him explaining why he used a helicopter and the trademark he filed for recently on behalf his daughter Gianna, everything we learn feels like another gut punch.

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Other victims of the helicopter crash:
– John Altobelli, junior college baseball coach, also died in helicopter crash
– Christina Mauser, girls’ basketball coach, among the helicopter crash victims
– Sarah Chester, daughter Payton were also killed in Kobe Bryant helicopter crash
– Ara Zobayan was the pilot in Kobe Bryant helicopter crash

Tributes to Kobe:
– Dallas Mavericks retire Kobe Bryant’s No. 24 jersey
– Video: Raptors, Spurs start game with amazing tribute to Kobe Bryant
– Shaq posts heartfelt tribute to Kobe Bryant
– Michael Jordan releases statement on death of ‘little brother’ Kobe Bryant
– Video: Doc Rivers breaks down crying talking about Kobe Bryant
– Phil Jackson calls Kobe Bryant ‘a chosen one’ in statement on his death
– NBA commissioner Adam Silver issues statement on death of Kobe Bryant
– Video: Dwyane Wade posts emotional message reacting to Kobe Bryant’s death
– Kendrick Perkins extends olive branch to Kevin Durant after Kobe Bryant’s death
– Video: Emotional Mike Breen sums up NBA world’s emotions about Kobe Bryant’s death
– Trae Young’s huge game was full of Kobe Bryant-related statistical coincidences