Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
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.
Lower Merion High School Gets A Kobe Bryant Gym
Kobe Bryant will have some additional business to take care of in Philadelphia next week when the Lakers pay their annual visit to the 76ers. Bryant's alma mater, Lower Merion High School, will be holding a dedication ceremony for the newly named Kobe Bryant Gymnasium in honor of the homegrown All-Star.
"It's cool for me," Bryant said on ESPN. "That's obviously where playing in the NBA kind of became a realistic goal. I put a lot of work in, a lot of hours in that gym, with a lot of people that support me and still support me to this day. It will be cool to go back there."
The event on December 16 will feature live music, sports celebs and other yet-to-be-named mystery guests. All tickets and sponsorships proceeds will go to the Education Foundation of Lower Merion. According to Philly.com, Lower Merion has sold out nearly all 1,100 tickets, including $25 GA seats and $250 VIP seats w/reception.
Kobe led Lower Merion to a state title in 1996 and then headed directly to the NBA. According to ESPN, "Bryant still calls his high school coach Gregg Downer when the boy's basketball team makes the playoffs and Downer puts his cell phone on speaker for Bryant to give the Aces a pep talk. He also makes regular trips to the high school in the offseason to show the current team his workout techniques and to say hello to old friends."
Lower Merion's new $100 million high school has been six years in the making, and Kobe donated $411,000 to a fund providing the district with "a series of inspirational, interactive, and educational displays," says Philly.com.
Now lets see if Kobe can get his own Wawa.
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 before year-end 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 before year-end 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
