"Not even in my dreams," Bryant said. "That was something that just happened. It's tough to explain. It's just one of those things.”

It was January 22, 2006, the Los Angeles Lakers played host to the Toronto Raptors.  The Raptors at that time was led by Chris Bosh, Anthony Parker, T.J. Ford and Nesterovic.  The Raptors put on a show for Laker fans at the Staple center controlling the first half with a 63 to 45 lead over the Lakers.  Along the side of Kobe were Lamar Odom, Smush Parker, Kwame Brown, Chris Mihm and Luke Walton, who played off the bench. 

A sensational job by our officiating crew of the game who were Crew Chief Kevin Fehr, Referee 1 was Bill Kennedy and Bill Spooner who was the Referee 2. Comparing the 2005/2006 season to the current 2019/2020 season, our officials still upholds a strong sense of presence and professionalism on the court; very similar to today’s officials.  In my opinion call selection hasn’t changed too much.  Our new uniform definitely makes us look more fitted for today’s basketball.

Re-watching the game on youtube again brought back memories of when I watched it live.  Being a native to the southern California, it was tough to watch the Lakers as a team struggle as a team.  In what seems like a game that was spiraling out of control, Kobe led the way with 26 points in the first half.  With very little support from Andrew Bynum who was still nurturing an injury, everyone knows that Kobe has to be the guy that needs to step up and carry the team. You can tell by the way Kobe was playing, that something was going to happen.  At that point of the game, I thought how amazing it would be to witness Kobe Bryant score 100 points in this game, in a classic “Kobe comeback” to win on a last second possession.  Well it almost happened that way.  As I watched him score basket after basket unconsciously, it started to look like familiar scene from a past performance by Wilt Chamberlain. By the 4^th period, everyone started passing the ball the Kobe.  The Raptors had no answer.

He didn’t break the 100-point record as Wilt Chamberlain did in the 1962, nor was there a last second shot to win the game.  But it was truly an honor to watch Kobe score 81 points in a game to comeback and watch him carry the Lakers to a 122-104 victory over the Toronto Raptors. 

Immediately following Kobe’s death, a petition was received by more than 2 million online signatures at change.org, to change the NBA logo to a silhouette of Kobe Bryant. It was previously a silhouette of Jerry West, who three years ago told ESPN that he longer wants to be the NBA “Logo”. 

Although both are considered as legends to the game, how can you determine who should be the next “Logo” of the NBA. How about Michael Jordan or even Shaquille O’Neal?  I believe both are great candidates and should be considered for the title.  Let’s not forget about Bill Russell who has won an astonishing 11 titles during his 13-year career. 

I would agree with Jerry West.  Such prestigious symbol should be reserved for a non-living legend to the game.  It would make more sense.  As oppose to it being Kobe Bryant, there are others that I thought would also be best candidates for the “Logo”.  Sure, it could be Michael Jordan, who is also considered as one of the greatest of all time to ever play the game.  Bill Russell should definitely stand out as an over-achiever to the game.  Both are still alive.  If there is another controversy about changing the logo again at the time which either passes, then we can hold that up for discussion.

Very similar to officiating.   Sometimes time, possession and score plays a key role in officiating the game other than just calling fouls and violations.  Bill Russell and Michael Jordan are both living legends.  We have grown through-out the years, as we realize the image of the “Logo” wants change.  The score has changed as we lost a brother, a competitor and a comrade to the game.  This is the opportunity to let a great contributor to the game live on.  No other time is worth it then now.

So yes, I agree with the petition to change the NBA logo to Kobe Bryant’s silhouette.  Your thoughts and comments are welcomed.

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