In today’s sports world, online betting is a big phenomenon. Sports enthusiasts from all over the world bet money on their favourite team or the team they think will most likely win. However, one must wonder about the long-term implications of ‘online betting’, which is not highly regulated, and its effect on the future viewership of sports.

In a recent podcast episode, Hollywood star Jason Bateman discusses these long-term implications with his co-hosts.

Peculiar mention of LeBron James and Kobe Bryant’s Legacies

In a recent episode of the hit podcast show “SmartLess”, Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes and Will Arnett (Hosts of the show) talk to Bill Simmons. In the episode, the group discusses the impact ‘online betting’ will have on kids less than the age of six. Bill Simmons says, “It’s a DNA thing…it’s got to hit you before the age of six.”. Sean Hayes adds, “I’m from Chicago and when the ‘Cubs’ won, I was crying. Because they hadn’t won in 200 years. And, I’m a huge football fan… I just need a reason to watch, to bet or something.”.

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Bill Simmons further says, “When I was growing up in Boston in the ’70s…it was pretty miserable growing up in a cold weather city, for those four-five months. The sports teams take this importance of setting the mood for the city…so you know, when Larry Bird showed up to the Celtics in 1979 and we realized pretty quickly that this I, and we get to go on this ride with him for the next 10-12 years. That’s when it goes to a whole other level.”.

Bill Simmons then mentions LeBron James and Kobe Bryant’s Legacies, “Like Cleveland had that with LeBron, and the Lakers had that with Kobe. You know, you just kind of hit the lottery when it happens. That’s going to make everyone (NBA fans) care more.”.Will Arnett adds, “I remember distinctly thinking this at the time… when Tiger, starting in 1999 through 2008 U.S Open, did something so spectacular in that time. I remember thinking that even though there are people who did not like him…I hope we all appreciate how incredible it is what this guy is doing. And we get to watch it live.”Sean Hays adds, “I felt that way about Jason (Bateman) in Ozark. I couldn’t believe I was a member of this species!”.

The hosts and the guest on the show agree that sports teams and iconic athletes change the environment of a city completely.

How the Late Kobe Bryant impacted the City of Los Angeles

In his illustrious 20-year-long NBA career, the Black Mamba won the Los Angeles Lakers a total of 5 NBA Championships. He was a 15x NBA All-Star who won a whopping 4 NBA All-Star Most Valuable Player awards. He also won the coveted ‘Most Valuable Player’ award in the 2008 NBA season. The Black Mamba was the pride of Los Angeles, who let no one disrespect him or his team during his time as a Laker.

However, his most valuable contribution to the city came from his ‘off-court’ actions. The Late Kobe Bryant was a big-time philanthropist, who was often seen supporting the helpless in the city through his non-profit organizations. Founded in LA, Bryant was a celebrity ambassador for the “After School All-Stars” that provided options for young people once the school day ended.

Bryant granted more than 200 wishes through the ‘Make-A-Wish’ foundation, during his two decades with the Lakers. The organization grants wishes to children who face life-threatening illnesses. Bryant was also a founding donor of the ‘National Museum of African American History and Culture’. He donated at least $1 million to the museum, which opened in 2016.

The late Kobe Bryant and his wife Vanessa also tried to solve the problem of homelessness of the youth through their support of “My Friend’s Place”. The Black Mamba even partnered with Nike and “Boys & Girls Clubs in Los Angeles” to create the Mamba League, a youth basketball league.

After the tragic death of the Laker legend and his daughter Gianna Bryant, the “Mamba and Mambacita Foundation” was founded in their honor. It was inspired by late Kobe Bryant’s daughter Gianna, who was a very talented basketball player. Its mission is to help underserved athletes and young women in sports.

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The late Kobe Bryant’s contribution to the City of Los Angeles transcends the game of basketball. People love and admire him for his selfless charity work, which he gave his 100% to.

What are your thoughts on Bill Simmon’s mention of Kobe Bryant and LeBron James’ legacies? Let us know in the comments below!