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.
Video: That Time Kobe And Jimmy Fallon Went On A Beer Run In 1996
Jimmy Fallon, who seems to be making the most of his week-long stint in Los Angeles by churning out the hottest viral vids, had ailing Lakers star Kobe Bryant on his show last night and the two shared a story of their days of burgeoning stardom in Los Angeles.
Bryant, rocking a sling because of season-ending surgery, recalls that the last time the two of them ever saw each other was in 1996, during his rookie season with the Lakers and before Fallon made it onto SNL and ruined every sketch with his laughter. The two relative-nobodies found themselves at a party and tasked with making a beer run.
"We're just kind of... nobodies, so they said 'Why don't you guys go out and get some beers or something,'" Kobe recalls. The Lakers star was only 18 at the time, so it seems like Fallon would be doing the buying. Of course this was in the pre-smartphone era, so the pair had no idea where to go and found themselves at a Pink Dot, a fine source of alcohol but delivery-only.
The solution? As Fallon tells it, the Kobe pulled his ID out and held it up to the glass and told the clerk, "I'm a Laker!" They made off with five cases of beer. Sounds like it was more successful than that time he hung out with Nicole Kidman.
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
