My Phone Call With Kobe Bryant | Bill Simmons’s Book of Basketball 2.0 | The Ringer

In December 2012, Kobe Bryant wasn’t even halfway through his last elite Lakers season, but he was putting more thought into the bigger picture than ever before. What was leadership all about, anyway? How could he use social media to advance his message? Would he rather be remembered as a winner or a great teammate? And what made him want to pick up the phone and call Bill Simmons out of the blue?
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[@ThaninViriyaki]

This is Bill at his best and why he's a legend in sports journalism.

[@indigo7454]

Stop hating dawg

[@michaeldiaz9260]

The man got the can from ESPN for being an incompetent homer. Now he is relegated to obscurity on you tube. Bill Simmons is not a legend, or much of a journalist? You must not read at ALL if your making a statement like that!!

[@WinstonTheFrog]

@@michaeldiaz9260 well the Ringer did just crack that exclusive podcast deal with Spotify, so who knows what the future holds for Bill Simmons.

[@kw882]

🤣🤣🤣

[@TheJC0203]

Michael Diaz he created 30-30 so he kinda is dumbass

[@XxSwaggaJacksonxX]

"I will next time, I told him" Man, that is fucking brutal

[@vuk911]

Such a positive video, but then it ends with "I will next time, I told him". Wow.

[@vatsan2483]

Damnn that next time never came... 😭😭😭 We miss you mamba.. "Plays: see you again" It's been a long time without you my friend and I will tell you all about it when we meet again

[@jacksiwel84]

Write more, Bill.

[@TheLastWalenta]

What do you think this is?

[@jacksiwel84]

@@TheLastWalenta. Well, that was me saying that he did real well writing this and i miss getting to read him.

[@TheLastWalenta]

@@jacksiwel84 I also wish he'd post more of these.

[@discowolf25]

Agreed✊

[@NewGoldie]

I've listened this at least 4 times and still get chills at the end.

[@drflexenstein3537]

Me too man! Some of his best work.

[@armin38822]

I always find it weird when Bill talks about Kobe. But this one was special.

[@kw882]

I always find Bill's voice weird

[@theOnyFUFU]

Did you watch his interview with Kobe on Grantland Basketball hour? It was like watching a Celtics fan boy talk shit to a Laker legend (which Bill has done with Magic as well on ESPN). I loved it as a Celtics fan but it must've been weird to watch as Laker/Kobe fan!

[@armin38822]

@@theOnyFUFU I thought he was not himself on that show with Kobe.

[@theOnyFUFU]

@@armin38822 I agree. He was trying to balance being a Kobe hater with being a journalist lol

[@winstonsmith11]

@@theOnyFUFU As a Laker/Kobe fan, I can assure you that Bill is consistently difficult to listen to when speaking on the topic Kobe Bryant. Even in this video. Always. I don't actually like him very much because of it, tbh. He's an ok gut, I guess. But, I'm not a fan of his point of view.

[@marcnelson3485]

For Christ's sake, honey I'm talking to Kobe!

[@kofiadjei6404]

😂😂

[@marcnelson3485]

@ablackprep YES xD

[@theOnyFUFU]

@ablackprep "this facking lay-deee!" Haha

[@prestonphelan9882]

"I will next time" Oof

[@underthetrees4780]

Fucking tragic line, just brutal, but shows Bill has still got it.

[@robertpadillosandiego2821]

That fucking line, and it ends the podcast, just hits you in the gut

[@customerguy8581]

Now I'm fucking crying again. At least it's not full-on sobbing anymore like it was the day after it happened. I swear I've cried more over Kobe in the past week than I'd cried in the past decade. What a fucking legend. Even "Mr. Celtic" Bill Simmons had to pay homage to the greatest Laker ever.

[@kengozin]

Like a kick in the nutters

[@jvincc7297]

I read your post before I heard it (so I knew it was coming) and yet it still got me.

[@MLNYD]

21:37 - That last exchange really struck a chord, Bill. Thanks for sharing this small but beautiful piece of Kobe with us.

[@JD-ny3vz]

It's nice to see some of Kobes former haters coming around to what made us Kobe fans love him from the start. That's the one good thing about a tragedy like this it can really bring people together.

[@fridayvan-defoe6987]

Speaking as a hater, I think everybody admired Kobe. it was just that he ripped out our hearts one too many times.... Spurs, Kings, Celtics

[@agilana4684]

@@fridayvan-defoe6987 Suns too

[@aarond7245]

jesus, when bill said that his wife was yelling at him because they were late to the christmas party, meanwhile Bill is on the phone with Kobe Bean... its like a scene from a movie

[@lawrencecgn3763]

Possibly the greatest piece by Bill for years. Thank you for that.

[@pitakon]

The dog piece is still the best

[@kunalpatel1147]

Kent Jousel Austria send the link to the dog piece

[@joelanthonyalvarado6947]

I wish bill didn’t go the Christmas party so we got have got more. I miss Kobe. 💛💜💛💜

[@Slgflame]

Joel Anthony Alvarado wgat

[@CardiacKatz]

what a dumb comment

[@mikesmith5355]

I always remember when Kobe said after the 2008 finals when they lost to Boston.He said WE got punked by them meaning the Celtics and it’s never happening again and Guess what it did not happen they won two championships in a row and beat Boston in 7 games and Gasol was a beast against Boston the 2nd time around.

[@Sbock86]

Unfortunately KG was playing on one leg

[@Stonecoldalston]

S Irwin KG was not playing on One Leg in 2010

[@Sbock86]

@@Stonecoldalston figure of speech. He came back from an ACL that season. It always takes players a year to get back to themselves..or in some cases they never do. I actually think in KG's case He was never the same player after that injury in 2009

[@jonloc8535]

Bill is a phenomenal storyteller

[@yowhatsmyname]

Kobe is a phenomenal topic #70

[@kw882]

He's got a goofy voice though

[@0mgnz0]

Kobe would’ve loved this piece, Bill. Great story, great insights.

[@KB-313]

Damn, I'm almost mad at how he ended the video. Made me sad again.

[@Oldskoolbball]

Kobe Bryant, who was the most enigmatic superstar in the NBA.

[@drevm7991]

Only to people who didn’t pay attention in my opinion. I rarely hear things about Kobe that surprise me in any way. Bill was shocked to hear that Kobe and Jordan had a relationship, I’ve heard Kobe day he calls Jordan multiple times. I’ve heard hundreds of post game Kobe interviews, all his documentary/long form stuff, etc. I don’t find him too enigmatic, though I do find him to be a genius and a complete badass.

[@nf2203]

This is a wonderful tribute by Bill and one of the most powerful ending to a podcast I've heard in a while.

[@TannerLikesStuff]

This was special. Bill's writing is on another level.

[@ThatCoCoa]

There’s a reason why Bill Simmons has reached the levels he’s reached. He’s a brilliant writer and craftsman.

[@michaeldiaz9260]

The man got the can from ESPN for being an incompetent homer. Now he is relegated to obscurity on you tube. Bill Simmons is not a brilliant writer, or craftsman? You must not read any books at ALL if your making a statement like that!!

[@ThatCoCoa]

Michael Diaz He got the can because he didn’t play corporate politics, and instead diverted his focus to his own company, The Ringer (you know, the channel you’re currently on seeking attention), which was recently sold to Spotify for a reported $200 million. He has continued talks with ESPN to do more work. Clearly, YOU don’t read.

[@homiz96]

Michael Diaz this man literally copied and pasted his terrible comment multiple times on this video that is sad bro

[@travisrowe7697]

Michael Diaz you just copy n paste this same reply everywhere. Simmons has his plus and minuses but is great at this form.

[@pfunk42]

@ ThatCoCoa....no, it's just the country is full of idiots like you that lack critical thinking skills. It's called the "dumbing down" of America

[@brandonreed3670]

Bill was a bit disingenuous regarding Kobe's "Big boy pants" comments directed at Gasol. He said that because Pau was complaining about his role in D'Antoni's system, not because Pau wasn't playing well in the midst of injuries.

[@thsu8]

Bill was always disingenuous about Kobe.

[@TituzzzD]

@@thsu8 Seems like Kobe didn't feel that way.

[@kobe42beast]

Definitely. I just came back from video of that interview

[@kobe42beast]

And even that wasn't malicious. That was obviously appropriate in the confines of his relationship with Pau. They had won championships together and Pau continues to refer to Kobe as "big brother"

[@brandonreed3670]

@@kobe42beast Yeah I had to double check because I remember the comment, but I didn't think it was referring to Pau's injury. Kobe wouldn't just throw Pau under the bus like that over an injury. He was really just saying that Pau had to adapt to Mike's system, even if he didn't like it.

[@CBUS75]

The last line of this essay really gave me chills...

[@RickHuangUSC]

Thank you Bill Simmons. Thank you for sharing your Kobe memory and making me cry on a Sunday evening 😭

[@dceptcon]

This made me start crying again. Very poignant. RIP to a legend and a legit superhero. Legends never die!

[@var1ables854]

That last line made me tear up man. WHy you do this to me bill simmons.

[@goskateminnesota7256]

This was written great. Thanks for the awesome story. Mamba is one of the GOATs on the court, but Bill Simmons is one of the GOATs as a reporter. Great work, Bill.

[@gamingwithcorp3889]

Michael Jordan said it best..."I'm gonna ridicule you until you get on the same level with me." Can't blame Kobe, he's teammates at the time didn't have the same mentality and winning mindset. RIP one of the greatest of all time.

[@seanelgie]

Those 2 free throws almost make you tear up man. The epitome of Leadership.

[@shawnmoney8055]

Just turned into an Bill Simmons fan last year, all the podcasts are great definitely the rewatchables, that’s probably my favorite.

[@thezdbailey]

Welcome aboard.

[@__L_S_B__]

shawn Money he's the best

[@SpencerCornelia]

his podcasts are great. He was such an excellent writer as well which is how most of his audience began following him. A lot of his writing was like this video. This video was excellent.

[@rsdhillon4198]

"he left his gold medal danglin' in Gasol's locker"

[@rickyrichreacts9667]

*THANK YOU FOR THIS, BILL. As a Lakers fan I really appreciate this video.*

[@jonnyarnett]

Excellent, excellent piece, Bill. Thank you for this. Leadership isn’t talked about enough

[@user-kx5pd4jo3t]

Jonny Arnett -NBA KZbinr I see you on a lot of basketball videos. And I just realized you’re an nba youtuber lol 😂😂. Your videos look good man I might check em out after I watch this.

[@jonnyarnett]

Iso Productions Thanks man! Please do! And yeah, I watch too much KZbin. I’m always commenting 😂

[@user-kx5pd4jo3t]

Jonny Arnett -NBA KZbinr yeah man your videos are fire. I make videos too. Check em out. If you tryna collaborate I’m definitely down.

[@UtotheJ]

Been following Bill for about 15 years... this is the beautiful story-telling that got me hooked to his columns! He’s gotten so busy with so many podcasts across so many realms, I really miss this

[@siddarthatummala4321]

Kobe’s view of the Thunder was pretty spot-on, you have to admit

[@GeloSantos]

Such a great piece. Thanks, Bill. RIP Kobe

[@sublime90]

This was great. thanks for sharing mr. celtic

[@NateMaw76]

Man the ending got me! Well said Bill!

[@terranceaoates7620]

I never played sports at a high level, but watching his tenacity truly has inspired me to continue pushing myself through all kinds of adversity. Love you Bean, its always been bigger than the game, gave us knowledge for the game of life.

[@dbjungle]

I don't know how I just found this now, but no one can tell a basketball story better than you Bill. This is touching as a fan of Kobe, basketball, you, durant, the all time greats and all the other players in between that gave us great memories. I really appreciate you sharing this.

[@phamawa]

Maaaaan. Great piece. I appreciate Bill so much more after this and I gained an even greater appreciation for my childhood hero.

[@pravinkrishna5176]

Oh ijjo

[@phamawa]

@@pravinkrishna5176 I actually hate Bill Simmons again since I posted this btw

[@themarcbon]

This is some of your best work, Celtic!

[@NomadicAstro]

Best piece in a F Ng long time! Reminds me of BS report in the early days. Good work. Love it!

[@rlsmokes]

Hao Wu big facts!!

[@enriquerodriguez7732]

Love this, thank you.

[@nicholasaleman8188]

Cried while watching this, Bill's writing is so amazing I know it has inspired a generation of writers! Please write more!!!!!

[@Artzera824]

The last sentence broke me

[@Makkvent96]

One of those videos you wish could go on and on. Incredible.

[@mannyboy922010]

A good friend of my passed away a few months ago. Would've have been 30 a few weeks back. A few days before he died, I sent him a text saying we should go hoop. He said he couldn't but we should plan something in the future. Now I go back and listen to Bill's last line of this video. It stung then, but it has a whole different feeling for me now.

[@jayjones9225]

Just phenomenal. Spectacular job Bill and editing team. Kobe was a leader and a winner and his relentless determination will never die. He will inspire people forever

[@felixsanchez4824]

Being a Laker fan all my life we are used to Greatness, sorry but true! For years i just enjoyed Kobe especially the Shaq N Kobe years but i never truly worshiped Kobe all that much. Since his passing it's been really tough, I feel like i lost a brother, I been obsessed with anything to do with Kobe, I guess I'm not alone, even Mr Celtic seemed to have a change of heart, Great piece by Simmons, one of many but so much better because it's about The Mamba #24 RIP

[@vatsan2483]

And the saddest part is after that soccer meet the next time they "never" met!!! 😭😭😭 RIP MAMBA!! U still love in our hearts

[@Silver104]

This was incredibly beautiful

[@Ranger6483]

This was lovely ❤️

[@ADWillio2]

And this is why you're my favorite writer of all time. Salud

[@mikephilipps2090]

True greatness describing true greatness. Man, this was a good one.

[@D1n0nlyD1v94]

He didn't want to become a great. He knew he was a great.

[@StephenBeale]

Beautiful all round. RIP Kobe!

[@leiflala]

This is great will. You can hear the sadness and disappointment in your voice when you said "I will next time, I told him" that's gotta hurt. Thank you for this amazing piece / video

[@MrTk177]

Growing up as a Kobe stan, and learning the genius of Bill Simmons...I think this is one of the most honest posthumous account of someone he clearly didn't like but respected

[@KingFalsettoMusic]

Bill..this piece is genius.

[@guero8820]

Well said Bill, love you brother! Great work you have always been a great speaker and writer

[@byronquezada2063]

Damn this dude brought the tear jerker right at the end

[@ajosephjosephjosephproduct5292]

This video needs more views…Bill Simmons, Props given my dude.

[@grantdowling8550]

This was amazing. Bill, as a Lakers fan and Kobe idolizer my whole life, I don’t like to hear your opinions most of the time. You know how it is, Lakers vs Celtics and all. But this was so good to hear. I teared up when you got to his five best moments. You did him right. Thank you.

[@jackjr2673]

Your an amazing storyteller

[@HahaHaha-km4sm]

One of Bill’s greatest pieces

[@djj3357]

Excellent post, Mr. Celtic! Go Lakers 🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆

[@antonioprimocaceres7678]

Bill has a beautiful pen that straddles straight up journalism with a touch of prose.

[@johnoxenham8080]

Awesome awesome story RESPECT Kobe did things his way there are many ways to lead you pick yours and if it works ALL THE BETTER TOO YOU 🤙Kobe is a true LEGEND

[@algamboa1987]

Excellent, brilliantly done piece about Kobe. I don’t consider myself a Kobe fan, but can appreciate the all-out devotion others display towards their passion. Thank you for the content, and thank you for sharing this with us Bill.

[@zacharychristman9538]

That was an incredible piece

[@MS-rj8dp]

Beautiful Tribute 😢

[@jesus-xr9yo]

62 points in 3 quarters gotta be one of the best... Legend

[@josh-b8]

Bill just gave us a masterpiece

[@aduncaroo]

This was a great piece. RIP Kobe

[@Simouno]

To me the most important trait a leader has to have in him is flexibility, not everyone is wired the same and while with some people tough love works, with others you have to be more patient and understanding even if it goes against your nature. Kobe was a stoic and to me his best way to lead was by example, that's why his words always beared so much credibility among fans and more importantly basketball peers

[@OreoShiChi]

The last line hits you in the gut. It’s like his great article about the passing of the family dog.

[@Hawkgoulet]

Deserves more views. Love your writing style, Bill.

[@alphaomega2713]

Love this piece from a die-hard Celtic. Thank you!!!

[@vedantabagchi1269]

This is beautiful

[@Joeman_Joeman]

Heart-warming and inspiration story

[@stallionplayer08]

Tears.

[@golfdan584]

What an awesome story and put together so well! KOBE!

[@eastnjman368]

That was awesome 😭

[@anthonygaydotcom]

Thanks for sharing your story. Its amazing to hear how great Kobe was even in a phone call and as a soccer dad. And even more amazingly difficult to think there's always a next time rather than walk a few minutes to see someone.

[@FOCUSBELLA]

Great perspective. Need more writers with this kind of passion and integrity.

[@kh82685]

That was amazing. Very well done.

[@Btn1136]

“It’s just as easy to remember Kobe’s unhappy Lakers teams as his happy ones”- preach.

[@diehardoutdoors]

I cried 5 times watching this! I made myself finish it! I’ve never in my life cried when someone died! But both my hero’s died the same week first Kobe than my grandpa worse week of my life

[@sammyttheg412]

No one better than Bill Simmons

[@natedog6453]

This reminds me why I wish Bill would write columns regularly, I consume a lot of content, but he was always at his best when he was writing in my opinion.

[@b.cooper8719]

Excellent piece. Last line got me Bill. Damn.

[@Raymondli0406]

I will next time, dammmmn, I cried again. Thank you, Bill.

[@coreyds]

Thanks for sharing Bill, much appreciated.

[@SuperBayboy925]

I love you so much Kobe RIP so much

[@albertosbabo8182]

This is a phenomenal piece. Phenomenal.

[@devonlamb3]

This was awesome.

[@jvincc7297]

This is perfection.

[@justlisteningrn]

RIP My hero and idol. I LOVE YOU KOBE

[@becameabird]

Great, great piece Bill. Fantastic.