Dwight Howard Reveals Kobe Bryant Was Going To Help Him At 2020 NBA Slam Dunk Contest

Dwight Howard didn’t have a good experience with Kobe Bryant during his first stint with the Los Angeles Lakers. He returned to the team this season, and something changed. Howard didn’t have much time to use his second chance with the Black Mamba. The legend died in a helicopter crash on Jan. 26. He was traveling with his daughter Gianna, and seven others, including the pilot. There were no survivors. Howard tried to contact Bryant before the accident. He wanted the Black Mamba to come with him to the 2020 NBA All-Star Weekend in Chicago. Howard will participate in the Slam Dunk Contest without Bryant.

According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, Bryant had agreed to help the Laker.

“He was going to do something for me in the dunk contest, which is kind of heartbreaking,” Howard said after his team defeated the San Antonio Spurs. “It’s been on my mind every day. Man, I can’t believe it. I’m still in shock. It hurts. It’s tough. I just never thought that somebody like that would be gone.”

Howard will do the Slam Dunk Contest without Bryant

Right before the crash, Howard’s agent and Rob Pelinka informed him that Bryant wanted to join him.

Lakers players can’t get over Bryant’s death. Pretty much every NBA player is devastated. Many young players looked up to Bryant, and all of them paid tribute to the legend. The basketball world lost a great legend. We will remember his name as the name of one excellent player.

Howard tried really hard to regain the support of the Lakers fanbase. His efforts brought him great success. Going to Chicago with Bryant by his side would have provided a great opportunity for him. Unfortunately, none of that will happen now.

Howard will enter the dunk contest without Bryant’s help. We expect a tribute at the contest. The All-Star Weekend will be filled with many tributes. We wish Kobe could see this. Everyone respected him as a member of the NBA family, and his name has always made the best stories. He was a wise man, and his advice has helped many players. We send our thoughts and prayers to his loved ones.