Kobe Bryant, after tearing his Achilles in 2012-13, refused a wheelchair and made two key free throws. Former Lakers trainer Gary Vitti offered him a chair, to which Kobe responded, 'F--- Paul Pierce!' This incident followed the 2008 Finals wheelchair incident involving Paul Pierce. Additionally, 26 years ago, Kobe faced Michael Jordan in the 1998 NBA All-Star Game, where Kobe, at 19, was the youngest All-Star starter in NBA history. Furthermore, 21 years ago, in Jordan's final NBA All-Star game, he hit a clutch shot, and O'Neal fouled Kobe on a three with a second left in OT. Kobe also attempted to roll his Achilles back in place and asked if he could tape it to continue playing.
21 years ago today to the very minute I took this pic w MJ for his last All Star game. Was an honor to be the head Athletic trainer for the East. MJ and Kobe put on a show for us all. https://t.co/xnxVTgjS2O
21 YEARS AGO TODAY π 40-year-old Michael Jordan hit this clutch shot in his final NBA All-Star game! This would have been the game-winner but OβNeal fouled Kobe on a three with a second left in OT. https://t.co/0ax5uOyg8D
Gary Vitti, Lakers longtime head athletic trainer who worked with Kobe Bryant for years, stopped to take photos with fans at https://t.co/s5vsyidZhS. #Lakeshow @SportingTrib https://t.co/zDXk9n1nIs
The night Kobe tore his Achilles, Lakers athletic trainer Gary Vitti approached him in the locker room and asked if he wanted a wheelchair. Kobe looked down at him and said "F**k Paul Pierce!" According to Mark Medina. π¨: @basketballforever https://t.co/Y4ft5D5LYg
Kobe Bryant once tried to roll his Achilles back in place and asked if he could tape it to continue playing: https://t.co/F0psz0rfDq
26 YEARS AGO TODAY ππ KOBE BRYANT vs MICHAEL JORDAN at the 1998 NBA All-Star Game! 19-year-old Kobe was the youngest All-Star starter in NBA history & this was MJ's last All-Star game before his 2nd retirement. https://t.co/aC4tXoCSzo
Right after Kobe tore his Achilles, former Lakers athletic trainer Gary Vitti asked him if he wanted a wheelchair Kobeβs response π (via @MarkG_Medina) https://t.co/Rpn5iJQXcM
Following the Paul Pierce wheelchair incident in the 2008 Finals... Kobe didn't want the same treatment. π https://t.co/4inHpN4mCg
Kobe Bryant refused a wheelchair after tearing his Achilles Former Lakers trainer Gary Vitti: "I asked him if he wanted a chair. He looked down at me and said, βF--- Paul Pierce!β" (Via https://t.co/tSIwwxi0qj) https://t.co/Mi03i4Vw8L
The scene after Kobe Bryant tore his left Achilles in 2012-13, made two key free throws and walked to the locker room without help. Former Lakers trainer Gary Vitti: "I asked him if he wanted a chair. He looked down at me and said, βF--- Paul Pierce!β" https://t.co/oXaZuBMtRH https://t.co/3zD1SV7vRC