This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Love him or hate him: "The Kobe Video" now on sale
LAist readers might be tired of the controversy, but someone is betting that at least 50,000 people still want more Kobe.
The "Kobe Video," which shows the embattled Laker bashing the organization and Andrew Bynum -- and swearing a lot -- is now available for sale on the official Kobe Video site.
In case you hadn't heard, the video was shot by two guys who have not identified themselves, but claim to have caught Bryant on a cell phone camera in a parking lot. The mystery men offered to sell the video to various news outlets and also contacted the Lakers and Kobe looking to make a buck. An unknown Lakers fan reportedly offered them $100,000 to buy the video and keep it private, but the "Kobe Video guys" didn't bite. They decided they would make that money by selling the video online for $1.99 per download -- starting tonight.
Once the sellers have reached their goal of 50,000 orders, buyers will receive the 24-second video and a short audio clip in which Kobe apparently tells the guys to "get a Bulls uniform." The video's owners won't send it out until they've reached the threshold, since the clip would end up on YouTube faster than you could say "Kobe's a whiner."
Not surprisingly, the authenticity of the video has been questioned, but Basketball News writer Eric Pincus said he's confident it's really Bryant.
The KobeVideo.com site gives shoutouts to a mortgage corporation, a design group, AOL Sports, and an accounting/insurance firm. What is going on here? Are they selling advertising on their site, too?
Sponsored message
As an aside, is it possible Kobe's in on the whole thing and is just trying to get himself traded? More importantly, is there any way 50,000 people going to pay $1.99 to see this thing? Kobe complaining about the Lakers and using some colorful language -- what's the big deal?
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
