BOSTON -- With such a deep-seeded rivalry between the Celtics and Lakers, one might think Kobe Bryant would root for the opponent of any Boston-related team.
That wasnt the case with the Super Bowl.
I was rooting for the Patriots just because of Bill Belichick and Tom (Brady) and those guys, he said after the Lakers overtime win against the Celtics. I was pulling for them. I wanted to see them do well, I wanted to see them get another one, but just came a little bit short.
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During the game, Bryant chatted with tight end Rob Gronkowski, who was one of several Pats in attendance along with team owner Robert Kraft.
I told him he should go play for the Eagles, thats what I told him, said Bryant, a native of Philadelphia. Actually I just told him congratulations on a good year.
Bryant, 33, smiled at the mention of the 22-year-old NFL player smiling after they talked.
Its funny, he said. Im so old, most of the guys watched me when they were in middle school. But I appreciate their talent as well.