Michael Balzary remembers seeing the teenage basketball player for the first time at a movie premiere in Los Angeles, red carpet and all.
Balzary had already established himself as Flea, the bass player for the Red Hot Chili Peppers, when he introduced himself to a future one-named wonder of sorts.
There was only brief chatter with Kobe Bryant, who likely had no idea who Flea was. This was fine. Flea barely knew who Bryant was.
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“I went up and said hi to him and shook his hand and stuff,†Flea said. “I just knew he was a kid who played high school ball in Philly and we got him from Charlotte.â€
He’d learn a lot more about Bryant as the years rolled forward.
It’s hard to find a more dedicated Lakers fan in celebrity circles than Flea. Since moving to Los Angeles as an 11-year-old in 1972, the Australian-born musician has rarely missed a game, catching them in person, on TV or via other means.
“Before the Internet happened, I would be on tour in Europe, I would call up my girlfriend and have her put the phone by the TV and I would listen to Chick [Hearn],†Flea said. “The long-distance bills were intense.â€
Flea gladly grants an interview about Bryant, whose 20-year career ends with Wednesday’s season finale at Staples Center. He’s watched with fascination since Bryant declared his retirement intentions last November.
“It’s a really poignant thing,†Flea said. “It’s been beautiful to see, even though the farewell tour, sometimes I didn’t really like it because it just distracted the development of the team. And I think even Kobe as a young player wouldn’t have liked it because he would have wanted all of the focus to be on winning the game.
“But it is what it is. I remember Kareem [Abdul-Jabbar] and when he went out it was a winning team. It was a much different vibe.â€
The always-animated Flea will do more than attend Wednesday’s game. He will play the national anthem Jimi-Hendrix-style before the Lakers (16-65) play Utah.
With Flea doing his part, the Red Hot Chili Peppers have remained relevant since the 1980s, an uncommon occurrence in the music industry. Flea sees many similarities with Bryant, whose impact also spanned decades.
“The main thing that’s always inspired me the most about Kobe is the diligence and discipline and selflessness that it takes to develop that sort of craftsmanship,†Flea said. “Being a diligent person with my own craftsmanship, I really relate to it.
“It’s like, ‘The rest of the world be damned, I am dedicating myself to giving everything I can in the moment.’ Every single night that you go to do your job, you’re willing to sweat blood, do whatever it takes at harm to your own self to be as great as you can, with disregard for your own personal care. That’s just awesome.â€
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Kobe Bryant leaves a news conference with a laugh after a game against the Thunder in Oklahoma City on April 11. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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Kobe Bryant hugs the Thunder’s Russell Westbrook after a game in Oklahoma City on April 11. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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Kobe Bryant waves to the crowd as he is introduced before a game against the Thunder in Oklahoma City on April 11. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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Kobe Bryant walks the hallway as he comes back out to the court during halftime against the Thunder in Oklahoma City on April 11. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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Kobe Bryant high-fives fans as he returns to the court during halftime against the Thunder in Oklahoma City on April 11. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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Fans reach out to Kobe Bryant as he walks back onto the court during halftime against the Thunder in Oklahoma City on April 11. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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Kobe Bryant watches introductions from the bench before a game against the Thunder in Oklahoma City on April 11. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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Kobe Bryant laughs with teammates before a game against the Thunder in Oklahoma City on April 11. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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Lakers Kobe Bryant leaves the Skirvin Hilton as fans take photographs and seek autograpghs beofre boarding the bus in Oklahoma City on Monday. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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Fans wait for Lakers Kobe Bryant outside the Skirvin Hilton before he boards the bus in Oklahoma City. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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Kobe Bryant waves goodbye to fans after a game against the Rockets in Houston. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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Kobe Bryant has a little fun with Rockets star James Harden after the game in Houston. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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Kobe Bryant waves to the crowd as he leaves the court for the last time against the Rockets in Houston. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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Former Rocket Hakeem Olajuwon and Lakers star Kobe Bryant greet each other after the game in Houston. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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Lakers star Kobe Bryant is introduced for the last time before a game against the Rockets in Houston. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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Kobe Bryant talks on the phone in the locker room before a game against the Rockets in Houston. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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Kobe Bryant’s shoes sit in front of his locker before a game against the Rockets in Houston. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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Kobe Bryant checks his phone as he soaks his feet in a bucket of ice water before a game with the Rockets in Houston. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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Kobe Bryant and trainer Gary Vitti share a laugh in the locker room before a game against the Rockets in Houston. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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Kobe Bryant gets a massage from physical therapist Judy Seto before a game agiainst the Rockets in Houston. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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Kobe Bryant prepares for a game with the Rockets in the locker room as trainer Gary Vitti looks on in Houston. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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Laker Kobe Bryant poses for a selfie with two Rockets fans during halftime in Houston. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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Young pregame performers react as Kobe Bryant approaches before a game with the Rockets in Houston. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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Laker Kobe Bryant, left, watches fans cheer as he walks to the court during a game with the Rockets in Houston. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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Laker Kobe Bryant walks by a young Rockets fan as he makes his way to the court during halftime in Houston. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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Laker Kobe Bryant receives a gift after a game against the Rockets in Houston. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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Laker Kobe Bryant hugs security guard Salvatore Chillemi after a game against the Rockets in Houston. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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Laker Kobe Bryant arrives on the team bus before a game against the Rockets in Houston. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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Kobe Bryant sits at his locker as he preapres for the Lakers’ game againstthe Pelicans in New Orleans. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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Fans hold a ‘KOBE’ sign as the Lakers take the court at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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Jason Jobert waits patiently with other fans for Lakers star Kobe Bryant in hopes of getting an autograph after the game in New Orleans. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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Jonathan Aldy takes his son, 4-year-old Abel, to his first NBA game as the Lakers take the court for Kobe Bryant’s final game in New Orleans. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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The New Orleans mascot pays a visit toKobe Bryant as he warms up for the game against the Pelicans. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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Kobe Bryant laughs as he joins the huddle before taking the court against the host Pelicans. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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Kobe Bryant greets friends before the Lakers’ game against the Pelicans in New Orleans. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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Kobe Bryant waves goodbye to fans as the Lakers leave the court following their loss to the Pelicans in the future Hall-of-Famers final game in New Orleans. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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Kobe Bryant walks down a hallway at Smoothie King Center after the Lakers’ game against the Pelicans. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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Kobe Bryant sits on the Lakers’ bus before leaving the arena in New Orleans for the last time as a player. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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The Miami Heat’s Dwyane Wade, left, and Kobe Bryant share a laugh after a game at Staples Center on March 30. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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Fans hold signs as Kobe Bryant warms-up before a game with the Jazz in Salt Lake City on March 28. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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Kobe Bryant is all smiles as a video is played honoring him before a game with the Jazz in Salt Lake City on March 28. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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Kobe Bryant gets into the back of a private vehicle with his security team while leaving the arena in Phoenixon March 23. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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Kobe Bryant greets an excited young fan after a game with the Suns in Phoenix on March 23. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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Kobe Bryant signs a pair of shoes for a fan after a game against the Suns in Phoenix on March 23. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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Former basketball legend Ann Myers hugs Lakers Kobe Bryant after a game against the Suns in Phoenix on March 23. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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Lakers Kobe Bryant walks off the court for the last time after a game agianst the Suns in Phoenix on March 23. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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Kobe Bryant hugs Knicks Carmelo Anthony’s son, Kiyan, after the game at the Staples Center. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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Lakers Kobe Bryant warms up outside the locker room before a game with the Knicks at the Staples Center. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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Lakers Kobe Bryant laughs while stretching in the trainers room before a game with the Knicks at the Staples Center. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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Lakers Kobe Bryant sits on the trainer’s table while going through a stretching exercise before a game with the Knicks at the Staples Center. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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Lakers Kobe Bryant goes through a stretching exercise before a game with the Knicks at the Staples Center. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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Lakers Kobe Bryant watches a track meet on television as he waits for guests to arrive in a private room befoe a game with the Knicks at the Staples Center. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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Lakers Kobe Bryant looks at his phone as he waits for guests in a private room before a game with the Knicks at the Staples Center. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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Lakers Kobe Bryant waits to be interviewed by radio personality Vic “The Brick†Jacobs in a private room at the Staples Center. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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Lakers Kobe Bryant runs on to the court as fans try to reach out before a game with the Suns. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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Kobe Bryant and the Cavaliers LeBron James hug after the last time they faced each other on the court at Staples Center, March 10. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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Lakers forward Kobe Bryant heads to the court for the last time in Denver before a game againstthe Nuggetson March 2, 2016. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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Lakers fans watch Kobe Bryant warm up before a game againstthe Nuggets in Denver on March 2, 2016. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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Kobe Bryant, center, listens to the national anthem before his last game in Denver on March 2, 2016. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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Lakers forward Kobe Bryant listens to the national anthem before hisfinal game in Denver on March 2, 2106. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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Kobe Bryant smiles as he leaves the courtafter his final game in Denver on March 2, 2016. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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Kobe Bryant prepares to sign an autograph for a fan at Pepsi Center after his last gamein Denver on March 2, 2016. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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Kobe Bryant listens to a reporter askhim if he will “shut it down†because of his injured right shoulder during a news conference in Denver on March 2, 2016. Bryant only played in the first half of a 117-107 loss to the Nuggets. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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Lakers star Kobe Bryant walks through the Westin Hotel lobby beforea game against the Grizzlies in Memphis, Tenn., on Feb. 24, 2016. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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Lakers reserve guard Lou Williams walks to the team’s bus as Kobe Bryant rides in a personal vehicle outside the Westin Hotel before theirgame against the Grizzlies in Memphis, Tenn., on Feb. 24, 2016. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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Lakers star Kobe Bryant waves to a cheering crowd from a vehicle outside the Westin Hotel in Memphis, Tenn., beforea game against the Grizzlies on Feb. 24, 2016. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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A crowd cheers as Lakers star Kobe Bryant leaves the Westin Hotel in Memphis, Tenn., in a personal vehicle to head to the arena for a game against the Grizzlies on Feb. 24, 2016. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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Kobe Bryant talks to the media before the Lakers played the Grizzlies in Memphis, Tenn., on Feb. 24, 2016. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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Kobe Bryant, center, leaves FedEx Forum in Memphis, Tenn., for the last time as a Laker after a game against the Grizzlies on Feb. 24, 2016. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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Lakers star Kobe Bryant and Grizzlies forward Vince Carter greet each other after a game in Memphis, Tenn., on Feb. 24, 2016. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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Lakers forwardKobe Bryant gets a standing ovation from the crowd at Oracle Arena as he exits a game against the Warriors on Jan. 14, 2016. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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Lakers forward Kobe Bryant stretches next to an ad at Oracle Arena in Oakland before a game against the Golden State Warriors on Jan. 14, 2016. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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Kobe Bryant heads to the Oracle Arena locker room after the Lakers lost the Warriors, 116-98, in his final game in Oakland on Jan. 14, 2016. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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Kobe Bryant wipes his face as he leaves the Sleep Train Arena locker room at halftime during a Lakers game against the Kings in Sacramento on Jan. 7, 2016. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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Kobe Bryant walks off the court to the locker room at halftime of a 118-115 loss to the Kings at Sleep Train Arena in Sacramento on Jan. 7, 2016. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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Kobe Bryant hugs former Lakers teammateand current Warriors assistant coach Luke Walton after a game in Oakland on Jan. 14, 2016. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
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Kobe Bryant waves to the crowd at Oracle Arena while being introduced before the Lakers playedthe Warriors on Jan. 14, 2016. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
Flea is biased. He knows it. So is Chili Peppers lead singer Anthony Kiedis, another fixture at Lakers games.
The group, after all, released a song in the late ‘80s called “Magic Johnson,†an ode to the leader of the Lakers’ Showtime era.
Flea has been a Lakers season-ticket holder since 1997, two years before Staples Center opened. He doesn’t understand the Kobe haters. He makes this clear on the phone from his movie trailer in Atlanta, where he’s waiting to shoot his role as a bank robber in the upcoming film “Baby Driver.â€
“I knew many anti-Kobe [fans], especially people who didn’t like the Lakers, they just hated him,†he said. “Even Lakers fans to this day still express disappointment over his shooting too much or being too hard on his teammates, always saying he’s about me, me, me. I just don’t buy it, man.
“First of all, he got five rings and clearly it worked. Shaq [O’Neal] left, he got two rings [without him]. You can’t do that without being a leader, without understanding team dynamic.
“He was kind of this savant guy, so focused on basketball, and just not a politician, not concentrating on people skills in terms of saying all the right things to make people happy. I don’t care about that stuff. I love basketball. It’s a great, great gift to the world, like any kind of art form or intellectual writing or theater or science.â€
Bryant has pledged not to cry on his final night. You have to wonder, though, if Flea won’t be a little emotional.
“Kobe gave us so much. I just feel grateful to have been able to enjoy it,†he said. “I felt a lot of despair and anxiety and pain in his career and I felt enormous amounts of joy and awe and just personally being greatly inspired by the gifts that he gave us.â€
Follow Mike Bresnahan on Facebook and Twitter @Mike_Bresnahan
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