WATCH: Kobe Bryant recites retirement poem with composer John Williams
Aside from being one of the most spectacular basketball players to ever lace up a pair of sneakers, Kobe Bryant is a man of many talents.
Since his retirement from the game last year, fans have learned more about his many hidden passions aside from putting the ball in a hoop—including his gift for poetry.
The Los Angeles Lakers legend recited his ”Dear Basketball” poem, alongside legendary conductor John Williams and the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra at the Hollywood Bowl over the weekend.
The one-time league MVP penned the heartfelt piece on The Player’s Tribune in 2015-2016 season, to announce that he’ll be walking away from the sport.
Bryant’s emotional words echoed throughout the packed hall, as an animated short of his storied career played on a big screen overlooking the stage.
His short but sweet recital was met with a standing ovation from the pleased audience.
Meanwhile, the 39-year-old Bryant expressed his delight upon performing and sharing the stage with one of music’s most recognizable names.
“Never thought I’d be on stage w/ the great JOHN WILLIAMS @HollywoodBowl to perform the #DearBasketball animated short. Thank u LA #mindblown,” he wrote.
Never thought I’d be on stage w/ the great JOHN WILLIAMS @HollywoodBowl to perform the #DearBasketball animated short. Thank u LA #mindblown pic.twitter.com/NryTKovJuU
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) September 2, 2017
Williams, meanwhile, is responsible for a slew of the most popular music in cinema history, including music for classics like “Jaws”, “Jurassic Park,” “E.T. the Extra-Terrestial” and the iconic “Imperial March” from the “Star Wars” franchise. /ra
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