20 Years Before Penning a Regretful Letter to Younger Self, Kobe Bryant Once Bragged About Giving “Allowance” to His Parents

The late Kobe Bryant is one of the most respected and beloved players to ever set foot in the NBA. His attitude and his commitment to the game made everyone want to be like him. His influence on the players is visible to this day based on his shoes still being the most worn shoes in the league by the players during the season.

Kobe got drafted straight out of high school. So he started making major money at a young age. This made him want to show support to the family who raised him. But years later, he regretted the actions he did when he was young.

Kobe Bryant talks about giving allowances to his parents

After Kobe was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers in 1996, he made an appearance on The Tonight Show With Jay Leno. Jay Leno asked Kobe what it was like to be a rookie. He then went on to talk about whether the Lakers would land Shaquille O’Neal or not.

Then the conversation moved to Kobe bringing his parents to the show. Jay Leno said it must be exciting for Kobe’s parents to have their son in the NBA. Kobe’s dad played in the NBA in the 1970s, and now he himself has made it to the league. Jay Leno jokingly tells Kobe that he doesn’t have to cut the lawn ever again.

To this, Kobe replied, “Now the good thing is that I get to give my parents allowance.“

This received major claps from the crowd and his parents. But years later, things changed as the relationship between Kobe and his parents derailed. Kobe wrote a letter to his younger 17-year-old self for the Players Tribune in 2016.

Kobe regrets giving money to his family members

In the long letter, he mentioned, “Use your success, wealth, and influence to put them in the best position to realize their own dreams and find their true purpose.” He also talks about letting his parents be parents, not your managers. He focuses more on investing in people and not handing out money for free. Kobe talks about setting a budget for his family to live on.

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Kobe had always had a troubled relationship with his parents. They did not like that Kobe chose to marry a Latina; rather, they wanted him to marry an African American. This led to them not talking to Kobe for a while and even not attending the finals when he won the championship with the Lakers. They didn’t attend his wedding either.

In 2010, he sued an auction house when his parents tried to sell the championship rings and jerseys that he gave them as gifts. His parents later apologized and said they appreciated the financial support that Kobe has always provided them.

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