Kobe Bryant’s huge role REVEALED in Dodgers signing $700 million man Shohei Ohtani

Kobe Bryant played a role in convincing Shohei Ohtani to sign with the Dodgers.

Kobe Bryant’s huge role REVEALED in Dodgers signing $700 million man Shohei Ohtani

Kobe Bryant and Shohei Ohtani (Via People and Fox News)

Kobe Bryant, the late Los Angeles Lakers star and icon, played a crucial role in persuading Shohei Ohtani, the Japanese professional baseball pitcher and designated hitter, to sign the largest contract in professional sports history with the Los Angeles Dodgers—a 10-year, $700 million deal.

As reported by ESPN’s Alden Gonzalez and Jeff Passan, the Dodgers presented Ohtani with a video recorded by Bryant in 2017. In the video, Kobe passionately made a case for why Ohtani should align himself with the Dodgers.

YouTube video

While visiting the Dodgers, Ohtani experienced a pivotal moment as he watched a video recorded by Bryant, a moment that left a lasting impact on the reigning American League MVP. This significant act unfolded when Ohtani agreed to initiate talks after his contract with the Angels expired.

FS Video

Ohtani told the media:

That was one of the highlights of the whole meeting. I was really surprised to see it. It was a strong and touching message.
Shohei Otani to the media

Although Kobe and Ohtani never met, the video message contributed to his signing the world record deal with the Dodgers. Ohtani has a .922 OPS and a 3.01 ERA

Video of Kobe saying Lakers only hang NBA title banners resurfaces

Following the Lakers’ victory over the Indiana Pacers to secure the NBA Cup, anticipation surrounded the team’s plan to display an In-Season Tournament banner at their home arena, the Crypto.com Arena. However, a video has resurfaced featuring the late Lakers legend speaking out against this particular decision.

Kobe Bryant
Kobe Bryant (Credits: Basketball Network)

Kobe had this to say in an interview back then:

This franchise does not hang division banners, it does not hang conference championships. We hang one banner and one banner only, and that's NBA titles.
https://youtu.be/MTLBIHjawic?si=XENqagluyzyp5srk

Kobe, a five-time NBA champion and the 2008 NBA MVP, is deeply admired in the city of Los Angeles. Widely considered one of the greatest players in the history of basketball, his legacy resonates strongly in the hearts of fans.

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