Former Los Angeles Lakers Kobe Bryant talks with Rob Pelinka during an NBA basketball game between Los Angeles Lakers and Atlanta Hawks, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2019, in Los Angeles. The Lakers won 122-101. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
Former Los Angeles Lakers Kobe Bryant talks with Rob Pelinka during an NBA basketball game between Los Angeles Lakers and Atlanta Hawks, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2019, in Los Angeles. Ringo H.W. Chiu, Associated Press
Herb Scribner
By Herb Scribner

Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka explained a heartbreaking final text exchange he had with Kobe Bryant.

What happened?

  • Pelinka spoke about Kobe Bryant during the “Celebration of Life” memorial event Monday to honor Kobe Bryant and Gianna Bryant, along with the seven others who died in a helicopter crash on Jan. 26.
  • Pelinka said he got a text message on the morning of the crash. Bryant said he wanted to help his friend’s daughter get an internship at a baseball agency.
  • He wanted to help John Altobelli’s daughter get an internship.
  • John Altobelli, his wife Keri Altobelli and 14-year-old daughter, Alyssa Altobelli, were also on the helicopter when it crashed.
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Watch Pelinka’s speech below.

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