Kobe Bryant Shares Magic of Staples Center In LA's Olympic Pitch

LOS ANGELES, CA — Former Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant is the focus of the second episode of LA 2024's "Legends of LA" video series, in which the two-time Olympic champion and five-time NBA champion talks about Staples Center.

The downtown arena is the home of the Lakers, as well as the NBA's L.A. Clippers, the NHL's L.A. Kings and the WNBA's L.A. Sparks.

"I think the building itself kind of gives this stage-like feel to it -- it's as if you're performing. It's much, much different than other venues that I've played in," Bryant says in the video released Wednesday. "Other venues feel just like a basketball game. (Staples Center) doesn't feel just like a basketball game -- here it feels like you're on Broadway, performing."

The first episode of the video series featured Olympian Carl Lewis recalling when he competed at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum during the 1984 Games, where he won four gold medals.

Wayne Gretzky, Earvin "Magic" Johnson and Cobi Jones will also be featured in the series produced by the nonprofit committee leading L.A.'s bid to host the 2024 Summer Olympics.

The city is competing with Paris for the Games, but could also be awarded the 2028 Games. The International Olympic Committee is scheduled to select the host city in September.

"Imagine everything converging into one place. What I love about L.A. so much is that it can be anything you want it to be," Bryant said. "The versatility is amazing. The diversity here of the people is amazing. I just don't think there's any better place in the world to be."

City News Service