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The Los Angeles Chargers are the newest pro team in town, becoming the city’s second NFL franchise this offseason. Arriving after the Los Angeles Rams has left the Chargers with a credibility gap to close with fans, and who better to help lead to more locals welcoming them than one of the best players to ever play for L.A.’s favorite team?
First day of team activities in LA. Thanks to @kobebryant for swinging by #ChargersCamp! pic.twitter.com/8dMpqViWfk
— Los Angeles Chargers (@Chargers) July 29, 2017
#ThatMomentWhen @kobebryant welcomes us to LA. pic.twitter.com/MHSnWHLR2y
— Los Angeles Chargers (@Chargers) July 29, 2017
That’s right: Kobe Bryant showed up to the Charger’s team activities, and if you couldn’t tell by the video above, the team’s players were pretty psyched about it:
— Chris Hairston (@C_Hairston75) July 29, 2017
Best first meeting ever. My favorite athlete of all time made a surprise appearance. #GOAT https://t.co/9oqEiMZ9xI
— Kyle Emanuel (@KyleEmanuel51) July 29, 2017
Officially just became a Kobe Bryant Fan. I respect everything that man STAND FOR... #Mamba
— Trovon Reed (@TrovonReed) July 29, 2017
Just met the @kobebryant .appreciate your words of wisdom and answering my question on who is the best to ever play..we know it's you ♂️
— Dexter McCoil (@26Int_Hit) July 29, 2017
I really hope that means Kobe actually answered “me” when McCoil asked him that.
Bryant still hanging around the Los Angeles professional athletics scene is pretty cool to see, and given that the Lakers front office has been fairly outspoken in its desire to get Bryant to impart wisdom to their young players, it wouldn’t be shocking to see him make a similar appearance around the purple and gold at some point this season.
Harrison Faigen is co-host of the Locked on Lakers podcast (subscribe here), and you can follow him on Twitter at @hmfaigen.