Lakers News: Why UConn Star Refused To Enact Signature Kobe Pose After Win
The UConn star didn't want to participate in the iconic 'Kobe Pose,' for good reason.
Los Angeles Lakers and NBA legend Kobe Bryant shaped the minds and hearts of the next generation of basketball players. His play spoke volumes to those idolizing the five-time NBA champion.
Even with his unexpected and tragic passing four years ago, his presence is as significant as it's ever been. The basketball world is doing its best to keep his legacy alive, and one way it is doing so is by recreating his iconic Kobe pose. Folks from all kinds of sports are recreating the pose whenever their team wins a trophy of any sort.
It's become a movement, but UConn women's star basketball player Paige Bueckers refused to participate. After leading her team to a Final Four berth, defeating the USC Trojans in the Elite Eight on Monday, Bueckers was asked to hit the Kobe pose as she sat with the trophy, but she kindly refused.
"It ain't me, dog. That's Kobe," Bueckers said simply.
People on social media praised the 22-year-old star. The Kobe pose has become a thing every player wants to replicate, but many don't know why he did the 'pose' in the first place. First, it wasn't for show, and second, he was genuinely upset after winning his second title against the Philadelphia 76ers.
Chris Ballard of Sports Illustrated wrote that Bryant had a falling out with his parents due to their disapproval of marrying Vanessa Laine, now Vanessa Bryant. Because of this disapproval, Joe Bryant, father of Kobe, didn't attend the wedding and didn't attend a single game during the 2001 NBA Finals.
The 2008 NBA MVP was genuinely upset, resulting in the photo many people now recreate. I'm sure Bueckers knew the meaning behind the image and didn't want to use the pose for her own avail.
Bueckers was the difference maker in leading her team to victory. She played all 40 minutes, leading her team in scoring with 28 points, while also chipping in 10 rebounds, six assists, two blocks, and three steals.
Bueckers is a star, and she will undoubtedly continue to raise her game and try to lead her team to a national championship.
