Kobe uses a personal helicopter to travel from his home to Staples center every day

[Extempo]

From ESPN:

Bryant lowered his guard with Cabbie so much he gave him and his camera crew the first -- and still only -- ride on the helicopter he rides to practices and games to avoid traffic. Cabbie flew with Bryant the day the Lakers played the Miami Heat and Bryant hit the buzzer-beater over Dwyane Wade to win the game.

"When we were in the helicopter all strapped in and going up, the moment hit me, 'I can't believe I'm in a helicopter with Kobe Bryant,' " Cabbie said. "This doesn't make any sense. I'm just some kid from Toronto. I'm just some idiot from Canada and I'm in a helicopter with Kobe Bryant."

The trip took about 20 minutes and was filmed for Cabbie's popular segment on The Score, "Cabbie on the Street." During the trip, Bryant said the helicopter cost him about as much as his Ferrari California ($250,000) and saves him over an hour of travel time a day so he can spend more time with his kids. He said he drives from his home in Newport Beach to John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana where a helicopter takes him to LAX for practices or to a helipad on top of an office building in Downtown L.A. for games. In either case, a driver is waiting for him to take him to the practice facility or Staples Center.

http://sports.espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/columns/story?id=4943698

WTF?!

[InspiredLebowski]

Kobe doesn't fly it himself does he?

Lakers can expect protest from environmentalists at Staples now.

[miller-time]

kobe is rich as hell. why wouldn't someone do this if they could?

[RoseCity07]

Kobe is rich, he can afford to make his life more convenient.

[Reverend Hoops]

Are you honestly surprised by this?

[IcanzIIravor]

If I had his type money I'd do the same.

[LA_Showtime]

What a waste of money. I guess this is a pretty good indication that Kobe won't be taking a paycut at the end of this year.:oldlol:

[RaceBannana]

wow.... thats a life....i feel like a worm.... taking the buss sucks so bad....

[KB2009Champ]

Sit in LA traffic for two plus hours every game day or buy a helicopter which costs the same as an expensive car? hmmm, i wonder what option i'd pick if it were me.

OP doesnt sound too bright. :roll:

[KG5MVP]

Helicopter is not really safe though, someday Kobe might die from helicopter crash.

[LA_Showtime]

Helicopter is not really safe though, someday Kobe might die from helicopter crash.

Sad that half the people on ISH probably hope it happens.

[ProfessorMurder]

Helicopter is not really safe though, someday Kobe might die from helicopter crash.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH! That is one of the worst sentences I've read in the last few days.

[rizzy]

The people of Cleveland actually carry Lebron's house (while he's in it) to practices and games

[Beebo]

Helicopter is not really safe though, someday Kobe might die from helicopter crash.

:roll: :roll:

[SCdac]

At least he's never claimed to be some environmental apostle, then looking like a hypocrite later *cough Al Gore and his private jet and multiple homes cough*

[WorldWarriors]

LOL He goes to the airport and gets the helicopter. That's still a drive. It's not from his home. The Thread title makes it seem like he has a helipad at his home. That would be gangster if he did.

Now if you don't live in Southern California then you probably don't understand it. As a 1 1/2 to 2hr commuter everyday in Orange County to the IE traffic, I say bravo.

Newport Beach to Downtown L.A. is a good 2-3 hr drive in traffic.

[GollyImSoGully]

Helicopter is not really safe though, someday Kobe might die from helicopter crash.

Chances of getting a car accident > helicopter crash

[RaceBannana]

The people of Cleveland actually carry Lebron's house (while he's in it) to practices and games

:lol
i laughed hard.

[pete's montreux]

I'm more surprised he wasted his money on the Ferrari California.

[gyu]

Sit in LA traffic for two plus hours every game day or buy a helicopter which costs the same as an expensive car? hmmm, i wonder what option i'd pick if it were me.

OP doesnt sound too bright. :roll:
Maintaining the helicopter + paying the pilot >>>> owning a car

Of course Kobe is insanely rich so money is not an issue, but once he starts declining and get paid significantly less he'll start feeling the effects.

[pete's montreux]

Does anyone have any information on the make and model of the helicopter? I'd like to compare fuel costs [aviation fuel to 92 octane].

[04mzwach]

ESPN isn't always right.

[InspiredLebowski]

He needs one of these
http://www.newlaunches.com/entry_images/0806/24/heli_1.jpg

[flipogb]

I read somewhere he also takes the helicopter to make it in time for his kid's soccer games

[Showtime]

Jesus Christ, don't give alborz more locations to stalk...

[zizozain]

on behalf of mj stans :
mj did that

[Kobe Jnr]

on behalf of mj stans :
mj did that


Michael Jordan wouldn't use a helicopter, he would have used a fighter jet..

[YAWN]

Maintaining the helicopter + paying the pilot >>>> owning a car

Of course Kobe is insanely rich so money is not an issue, but once he starts declining and get paid significantly less he'll start feeling the effects.

time is money, and to get from where kobe lives to staples takes 2.5 hours, unless youre driving at 300am, then its only 25 mins.

[GollyImSoGully]

Maintaining the helicopter + paying the pilot >>>> owning a car

Of course Kobe is insanely rich so money is not an issue, but once he starts declining and get paid significantly less he'll start feeling the effects.

Kobe is likely to sign his last contract after this season for like 5 years making the max. Soooo....what you saying?

[Kobe Jnr]

time is money, and to get from where kobe lives to staples takes 2.5 hours, unless youre driving at 300am, then its only 25 mins.


Is LA traffic that bad?

[Juges8932]

Helicopter is not really safe though, someday Kobe might die from helicopter crash.

Ah, yeah, because cars are extremely safe as we all know. Nobody dies in a car or anything. I mean, it's not like the amount of air-traffic accidents is monumentally less than car accidents or anything.

[WorldWarriors]

Is LA traffic that bad?

Its not just L.A. which is bad enough. He's going from Orange County to Downtown L.A. which is 3 times worse.

Yes its that bad and then some.

[andgar923]

Sit in LA traffic for two plus hours every game day or buy a helicopter which costs the same as an expensive car? hmmm, i wonder what option i'd pick if it were me.



This

LA is notorious for its traffic, specially Kobe's destinations and distance. I don't blame him at all.

[TryToBeUnbias]

Is LA traffic that bad?
Yes.

[RaininTwos]

Is LA traffic that bad?
They dont walk in LA.

[Allstar24]

Helicopter is not really safe though, someday Kobe might die from helicopter crash.
:roll: Is this a serious post?

[inclinerator]

he takes the helicopter while all this teammates ride the bus

[12shyloc26]

The people of Cleveland actually carry Lebron's house (while he's in it) to practices and games
:roll: :roll: :roll:

LOL, this post is FTW.

[NoGunzJustSkillz]

he takes the helicopter while all this teammates ride the bus
haha, i was wondering that. like does he have any team mates that live close to him?

[keep_it_real]

The people of Cleveland actually carry Lebron's house (while he's in it) to practices and games

i laughed so hard lol :oldlol:

[lefthook00]

gangsta shit.

[Horde of Temujin]

Is LA traffic that bad?

A resounding yes, the 405 from Newport to Downtown LA is brutal.

[Kobe4life]

i think if he dies itll boost his reputation and fame..i say go for it kobe im with u for life

[konex]

In a GQ article, he said the chopper is because he can't be cramped up in a vehicle in LA traffic.

[Hammertime]

This is a win-win situation. If Kobe takes a helicopter and survives, he gets to the game faster. If the helicopter crashes, he instantly becomes about twice as respected by the general population. It's how it works. Steve Ray Vaughan was actually a second-rate blues guitarist until he died in a helicopter crash.

[sportin_life]

A resounding yes, the 405 from Newport to Downtown LA is brutal.

Completely agree w/ the above. Even without traffic, it's almost a 1 hour drive. During rush hour, expect 3 hours.

Regarding helicopters and safety, the concern w/ them is mainly bad weather that causes them to crash (you'd be surprised how many medical helicopters crash for this reason). That could be one reason why he doesn't have a helipad at his house (for those of you who don't know the area, Newport Beach is often surrounded by dense fog, especially along the 71 private highway, where I'm assuming he lives since it's the more expensive homes).

http://www.medpagetoday.com/Washington-Watch/Washington-Watch/12789

[RaininTwos]

This is a win-win situation. If Kobe takes a helicopter and survives, he gets to the game faster. If the helicopter crashes, he instantly becomes about twice as respected by the general population. It's how it works. Steve Ray Vaughan was actually a second-rate blues guitarist until he died in a helicopter crash.

I dont see how this is remotely funny.

[bleedinpurpleTwo]

This is a win-win situation. If Kobe takes a helicopter and survives, he gets to the game faster. If the helicopter crashes, he instantly becomes about twice as respected by the general population. It's how it works. Steve Ray Vaughan was actually a second-rate blues guitarist until he died in a helicopter crash.

"second rate"??? WTF?
SRV was very well respected long before he died.

[gmoney9]

Maintaining the helicopter + paying the pilot >>>> owning a car

Of course Kobe is insanely rich so money is not an issue, but once he starts declining and get paid significantly less he'll start feeling the effects.
by that time he'll be out of the league and won't need to constantly commute for basketball

[kobesabi]

It makes sense if you can afford it and are not scared of flying. Time is valuable. Who wants to waste 1-3 hours of driving instead of getting there in less than half hour (both way). Not only you have time to do other things but can be less tense by the time you get to the showtime center. Not to mention less risk of drive by shooting, idiots dropping stones over the freeway, slow annoying drivers, text messaging drivers, crazy fans, paparazi, and earthquake. You'd be so tire by the time you get there just by driving. I bet all superstars do the same if they live far away from their downtown arena.

Driving probably has more risk than flying. I wouldn't be surprise if some statistic shows that way.

[pete's montreux]

Out of the tens of thousands of Kobe stans, no one can tell me the make and model of his helicopter? C'mon CantStop, you're slipping.

[kobesabi]

Out of the tens of thousands of Kobe stans, no one can tell me the make and model of his helicopter? C'mon CantStop, you're slipping.
We're not Paparazzi and stalkers.

[bleedinpurpleTwo]

the helicopter may actually save him money, given the value of his time.
don't be surprised if certain business entities are footing the bill for the helicopter too, such that, at worst, it is merely a write-off.

[Kobe4life]

u guys do know if the helicopter is about to break kobe can just use a parachute ?

[gts]

Out of the tens of thousands of Kobe stans, no one can tell me the make and model of his helicopter? C'mon CantStop, you're slipping.
Bell 407, pilots name is Donald "chipp" Reynolds, WM 39 years old originally from Montebello California, size 10 1/2 shoe prefers his coffee with a splash of half and half but mocha mix will do in a pinch, serverd two tours of duty in the coulmbian drug wars as a cia staff pilot. wife's name is Ilene, (38 26 32 blonde, green eyes, 5' 7'') former beauty queen from lexington ohio, finished runner up in the who's hootters R yooter looking at contest as a sophmore at ucmb.

[Force]

I dont think people who live outside of LA area realize how bad traffic is over here. Saving an hour a day is huge, I don't blame him, he can pay for it.

[Jorn444Lakers]

Bell 407, pilots name is Donald "chipp" Reynolds, WM 39 years old originally from Montebello California, size 10 1/2 shoe prefers his coffee with a splash of half and half but mocha mix will do in a pinch, serverd two tours of duty in the coulmbian drug wars as a cia staff pilot. wife's name is Ilene, (38 26 32 blonde, green eyes, 5' 7'') former beauty queen from lexington ohio, finished runner up in the who's hootters R yooter looking at contest as a sophmore at ucmb.

Beat me to it.

[kkling]

I don't see the big deal. $250,000 to own a helicopter, that's not that bad at all. I'm sure he can afford to pay the driver. haha

[Kobe4life]

he should give me 250k too

[KG5MVP]

u guys do know if the helicopter is about to break kobe can just use a parachute ?


Parachutes don't work at helicopters elevation, also when helicopters crash, they fall down fast, u wouldn't even have time to put on a parachute and stuff.

[Reverend Hoops]

u guys do know if the helicopter is about to break kobe can just use a parachute ?

U serious?

:roll: :roll: :roll:

[SoCalMike]

Its common amongst wealthy executives to travel this way, particularly in the Southern California basin.


:pimp:

[thejumpa]

My friend lives next to Kobe. The people in that neighborhood have STUPID amounts of cash. 250k is nothing to those people. If I were him, I'd do that same. I'd wear my diamond head pendant and grill while doing it, too.

[SoCalMike]

My friend lives next to Kobe. The people in that neighborhood have STUPID amounts of cash. 250k is nothing to those people. If I were him, I'd do that same. I'd wear my diamond head pendant and grill while doing it, too.

I live about 10 mins from Kobe's place. He lives in Newport Coast. There's a lot of bank there fo sure!




:pimp:

[thejumpa]

I live about 10 mins from Kobe's place. He lives in Newport Coast. There's a lot of bank there fo sure!




:pimp:

Yup, you already know.

[IcanzIIravor]

U serious?

:roll: :roll: :roll:

I just figured he was was be very droll. Let's hope it for his sake.

[Lebron23]

He's one of the richest athletes on the planet. Kobe can do whatever he wants.

[LA_Showtime]

u guys do know if the helicopter is about to break kobe can just use a parachute ?

Oh my God, you are a moron.

[catch24]

u guys do know if the helicopter is about to break kobe can just use a parachute ?

:roll:

[DuMa]

i gotta know what helipad in which office building in downtown LA he is using

[macpierce]

so you can plant a bomb??? sicko

[bdreason]

You can get from John Wayne to LAX in 30 minutes unless it's primetime. It probably takes him that long to park, and get in and out of the chopper.

[Bodhi]

This

LA is notorious for its traffic, specially Kobe's destinations and distance. I don't blame him at all.

It's not just the traffic. The drivers are really aggressive. I drive a nice car and I hate driving through LA because people will always try and cut me off because they know how much more of a hassle it is for me to fix dents and what not. So I can't even imagine how annoying it is for someone who drives a 250,000 dollar car to get to Staples.

[pete's montreux]

Bell 407 cost $1.4 million new. No way he got his for $250,000. His helicopter uses Jet A fuel which costs an average of $4.45 a gallon.

So, using this helicopter probably is at least 5 times more expensive than driving a Ferrari California, even with racing fuel.

[shadow]

shit traffic is not that bad heading to El Segundo. Driving from NPB to John Wayne and then from LAX to El Segundo sounds like more of a hassle to me. To Staples I understand but to practice? Oh well he can afford it so I guess he doesn't care.

[inclinerator]

get outta the choppa

[SAKOTXA]

u guys do know if the helicopter is about to break kobe can just use a parachute ?

Post of the year! :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll:

[Doranku]

Bell 407 cost $1.4 million new. No way he got his for $250,000. His helicopter uses Jet A fuel which costs an average of $4.45 a gallon.

So, using this helicopter probably is at least 5 times more expensive than driving a Ferrari California, even with racing fuel.

I'm sure Kobe has trouble sleeping at night because of the financial costs for his 'copter. :rolleyes:

[Scribbles]

I'm sure Kobe has trouble sleeping at night because of the financial costs for his 'copter. :rolleyes:

Now we know why Kobe's taking so much shots this year. He's trying to get a max contract to pay off his helicopter bills

[TryToBeUnbias]

Now we know why Kobe's taking so much shots this year. He's trying to get a max contract to pay off his helicopter bills
another jewel.

[kobesabi]

You can get from John Wayne to LAX in 30 minutes unless it's primetime. It probably takes him that long to park, and get in and out of the chopper.
Maybe for you, it's 30. For him, you gotta add extra time for those 5-10 cars of paparazzi, TMZ guys following him all the time.

[EricForman]

actually kobe explains this in the latest issue of esquire. he says the helicopter is to "save his body" because he is so banged up he cant ride buses or cars for too long.

[DukeDelonte13]

I hate traffic. That's why I could never live in NY or LA. 25 minutes versus 3 hours because of traffic? F that.

[GOBB]

actually kobe explains this in the latest issue of esquire. he says the helicopter is to "save his body" because he is so banged up he cant ride buses or cars for too long.

:wtf: He was better off saying "Traffic is a $#%@! in LA.". Save his body? Funny.

[Bandito]

Maintaining the helicopter + paying the pilot >>>> owning a car

Of course Kobe is insanely rich so money is not an issue, but once he starts declining and get paid significantly less he'll start feeling the effects.
When he retires he won't need a helicopter to bring him to practices and games will he?

[GOBB]

Maintaining the helicopter + paying the pilot >>>> owning a car

Of course Kobe is insanely rich so money is not an issue, but once he starts declining and get paid significantly less he'll start feeling the effects.

Sorry Charlie but Kobe makes alot of money per year. And with 1 more season (next year) before he is due another contract? That next contract will be for BIG BUCKS. So this signficantly less pay you speak about? Wont happen no time soon. Its years away if that. His helicopter bill is no issue. :no:


Kobe Bryant (2009)
Los Angeles Lakers (NBA)
Last Year's Rank: 5

$21,262,500 salary
$10,000,000 endorsements
$31,262,500 Total for the year

While Kobe's league-high $23 million salary next season is certainly befitting of an NBA Finals MVP, it'll also eat up more than a third of the Lakers' cap room to rebuild under the luxury tax.

[El Seano]

He said it cost "something like" the price of a Ferrari California. He was actually pretty modest about the price in the segment.

[dallaslonghorn]

Anything Ron Burgundy would do is something Kobe should be doing too :oldlol:

[ILLsmak]

This is one of those things that, as a 'normal' person', pisses you off before you even think about it. But once you think about it... why not? He has a helicopter, you don't... get over it.

Believe it or not, I actually think it's kind of cool. Seems like more players should employ this method... although I don't buy the 'spending more time with my kids' thing. haha. That's such a great excuse. "Well, I have this amazing innovation that no one else has... I'll use it to allow me to spend more time with my kids -colgate smile- "

-Smak

[Disaprine]

:roll:

u guys do know if the helicopter is about to break kobe can just use a parachute ?
:roll:

[YAWN]

You can get from John Wayne to LAX in 30 minutes unless it's primetime. It probably takes him that long to park, and get in and out of the chopper.
why would he go from john wayne to lax?

im sure he is going to a private place to get on the chopper and fly to downtown la. even when he takes it to practice, im sure there is another helipad over by all the buldings on nash street closer to the facility.

[OhNoTimNoSho]

pfft this is nothing, Lebron flies to games in his own jet.

[JM720]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4g1ZtzuGj8

3:01

To see the helicopter ride.

[MaxFly]

Maintaining the helicopter + paying the pilot >>>> owning a car

Of course Kobe is insanely rich so money is not an issue, but once he starts declining and get paid significantly less he'll start feeling the effects.

What's Kobe Bryant worth... My guess is that when he starts declining and is paid significantly less, no one will come and take away all of the money he's already made throughout his career, so chances are he'd still be able to afford the pilot and the helicopter maintenance.

[KG5MVP]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4g1ZtzuGj8

3:01

To see the helicopter ride.

Kobe is homophobic lol, my respect for him just skyrocketed

[ConanRulesNBC]

Well Dwight Howard flies to every game.

[Pinkhearts]

Well you can see he's flying in an R44, which costs about $300000. Maybe he bought a used one for a lower price hah.

[WorldWarriors]

You can get from John Wayne to LAX in 30 minutes unless it's primetime. It probably takes him that long to park, and get in and out of the chopper.

Its always primetime on the 405. How many times have you driven there in 30 minutes, lol.

But he's not going to LAX. He's going to downtown L.A. BIG DIFFERENCE.

[Heretik32]

If he's got the money and wants to save time going to work, more power to him I say.
Though I somehow suspect that taking the helicopter to work is slightly more dangerous than going by car.

[InfiniteBaskets]

I hate traffic. That's why I could never live in NY or LA. 25 minutes versus 3 hours because of traffic? F that.

I can't speak for LA but the vast majority of cars driving or parked in NYC at any given time are owned by those who do not live in the city. People who live in Manhattan especially either take the Metro/Bus if they're normal people or have drivers if they are the top elite class.

Plus, I heard Boston traffic is no walk in the park either.

[Shaquille O'Neal]

All we need now is to Photoshop Kobe in a Vietnam era helicopter behind a machine gun...

[crisoner]

Ummm why is this a thread?

Barry Bonds use to fly to all his away games in a private jet and not with the team.

[vert48]

If he's got the money and wants to save time going to work, more power to him I say.
Though I somehow suspect that taking the helicopter to work is slightly more dangerous than going by car.Traveling via a helicopter is far less dangerous, statistically, than driving the same distance in a car.

[wally_world]

Well, its spreading the wealth and moving the economy :confusedshrug:

[Andrei89]

Have you guys noticed at 4:50 when they shake hands how hard they do it?

kobe doens't even flinch and yet he is supposed to have a broken finger.

LoL i like Kobe but he just got exposed

[lefthook00]

He is around Irvine/Newport Beach all the time. He will always take a picture with you. He used to rent out the UC Irvine bball gym(the WHOLE gym) to practice. John Wayne airport is actually in Irvine and not Santa Ana, which is super close to Newport Beach, u can take one street from Kobe's house area to the airport.

[gyu]

Have you guys noticed at 4:50 when they shake hands how hard they do it?

kobe doens't even flinch and yet he is supposed to have a broken finger.

LoL i like Kobe but he just got exposed
Haters gonna hate :rockon:

[lefthook00]

Have you guys noticed at 4:50 when they shake hands how hard they do it?

kobe doens't even flinch and yet he is supposed to have a broken finger.

LoL i like Kobe but he just got exposed

I don't remember him making any excuses about it, that's ISH's job. I think it just hurts when he jams it. He still has a hotdog bun for an index finger that he can't bend with all that gauze and a total of 3 mangled fingers on his shooting hand...

[Andrei89]

Haters gonna hate :rockon:

Horrible comeback.

Are you a kid?

[gyu]

Horrible comeback.

Are you a kid?
No, if you didn't notice I was mocking you since most of your posts consists of either "u mad" or "why u mad though" or "haters gonna hate"

P.S. why u mad though?

[Andrei89]

I don't remember him making any excuses about it, that's ISH's job. I think it just hurts when he jams it. He still has a hotdog bun for an index finger that he can't bend with all that gauze and a total of 3 mangled fingers on his shooting hand...


Well i remember all the announcers making excuses about it. Everyone saying how though Kobe is playing with a broken finger, and how hard it must be .

And if we talk about ISh half of the Kobe homers make up excuses everytime Kobe has a bad game ""Kobe finger " ""Kobe finger" ""Kobe finger"

They make it sound like he is being stabbed everytime he tries to shoot the ball

[Andrei89]

No, if you didn't notice I was mocking you since most of your posts consists of either "u mad" or "why u mad though" or "haters gonna hate"
I know, that's why i said your comeback is horrible:lol

And i don't think most of my post are ""u mad "' Hater gonna hate""
You will only find that kinds of posts in retarded threads .

[dr8ked]

No, if you didn't notice I was mocking you since most of your posts consists of either "u mad" or "why u mad though" or "haters gonna hate"

P.S. why u mad though?


:roll: :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll: some funny stuff right here.

[macpierce]

his finger is broken, just accept it idiot, life goes on even if you keep sucking kobes dick its ok man stupid heat fan

[mamba24]

his finger is broken, just accept it idiot, life goes on even if you keep sucking kobes dick its ok man stupid heat fan

I read not soo long ago that the lakers pay for his heli. its one of the perks.

This about him having a heli is old news. he's had it since he signed his contract about 5 years ago.

[kentatm]

He has the money and it saves him time.

Who cares?

Pretty much everyone here would do the same thing if they could afford it.

[Swaggin916]

He has the money and it saves him time.

Who cares?

Pretty much everyone here would do the same thing if they could afford it.
http://blogs.coventrytelegraph.net/thegeekfiles/Batmobil.jpg

[highwhey]

it's a pretty smart investment if you're a wealthy man like kobe. same cost as a ferrari but it will get you there quicker. there is of course, fueling costs, operating costs, etc, but they still outweigh the time he would incurr while driving. there is also, of course, safety worries his wife or family may think about constantly. i would. you always hear about a helicopter crash on the news...

[Jasper]

NO PICS ????????????????

Is this chopper , one of those open cockpit ones with the rubber band wind up propeller ??

(I'm at work can't photo shop - need some help)

[Killuminati90]

Andrei, stop hating on Kobe dude. :lol




Btw, I would afford a personal heli too if I had the money, **** climate change and all that stuff, everybody here would be a motha**** if they had the money, we useless freaks cause we aint have no penny. Its materialism? yeah, it is, dont blame me, blame the world.

[Big#50]

I don't remember him making any excuses about it, that's ISH's job. I think it just hurts when he jams it. He still has a hotdog bun for an index finger that he can't bend with all that gauze and a total of 3 mangled fingers on his shooting hand...
Kobe fakes the funk.

[Killer_Instinct]

This is about 3 years too late.

[magnax1]

Why is this a 9 page thread? How is this shocking at all?

[Jacks3]

Only Kobe could generate 9 pages over something like this.

[DKLaker]

Maintaining the helicopter + paying the pilot >>>> owning a car

Of course Kobe is insanely rich so money is not an issue, but once he starts declining and get paid significantly less he'll start feeling the effects.


Not a math whiz are you? :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll:

[Doo Doo_Brown]

$250k for a helicopter is really cheap. It must be one of those tiny ones that have a piston engine.

[jbot]

great idea.

[cotdt]

I wonder if Kobe could one day buy the Lakers?

[ezzy]

My friend lives next to Kobe. The people in that neighborhood have STUPID amounts of cash. 250k is nothing to those people. If I were him, I'd do that same. I'd wear my diamond head pendant and grill while doing it, too.


and you'd be as despicable as the rest of them.

alot of us work 5-10 years of our lives to ever see $250k, and these people just throw it around like it's nothing.

there are so many reasons to hate LA.

[Killuminati90]

and you'd be as despicable as the rest of them.

alot of us work 5-10 years of our lives to ever see $250k, and these people just throw it around like it's nothing.

there are so many reasons to hate LA.


Basketball players get payed too much, ok fair enough, but dont blame them, blame the system. If some guy told me he is gonna give me 250K just for playing ball I would be stupid to say no. Why so much hipocrisy on your part?


Theres many reasons to hate LA, but even more to love it.

[Spoken]

I wonder if Kobe could one day buy the Lakers?

naw not even magic could.

[Soundwave]

Why not just live in Beverly Hills instead of Orange County? A lot shorter drive.

[cotdt]

naw not even magic could.

Compare Kobe's salary to Magic's though, it's way higher.

[lakerspng]

Compare Kobe's salary to Magic's though, it's way higher.

Magic is the most wealthy player/ex-player around, even more so than Jordan.

If any player could buy the Lakers, it would be him... but it will never happen. It is possible that Kobe gets some portion of team ownership after he retires, like Magic does (5%)... It would be interesting if that is part of the negotiations on Kobe's upcoming contract talks.

[thejumpa]

and you'd be as despicable as the rest of them.

alot of us work 5-10 years of our lives to ever see $250k, and these people just throw it around like it's nothing.

there are so many reasons to hate LA.

They throw it around like it's nothing because they can. You would, too. If it's not a helicopter, then it's a large home that you want to buy. Oh, I forgot....you're the multi-millionaire who wants to live a simple life and have a small house or condo, right? No toys...nothing. GTFO...

If you don't like seeing people with money, don't come to LA. You will commit suicide after a couple days. That's the American way, though. Criticize others with more when it reality it's you who wants to be in their spot. That's called jealousy my friend....no need for that.

[hiphopanonymous]

Helicopter is not really safe though, someday Kobe might die from helicopter crash.
Chilling comment.. I was thinking about Kobe today and looking for the old news threads of the coverage when I saw this.

[Kiddlovesnets]

Helicopters are dangerous and theres no chance of survival if crashed. Kobe shouldnt have done this, he was putting his own life in danger.

[SouBeachTalents]

Helicopter is not really safe though, someday Kobe might die from helicopter crash.
What's really creepy is that it happened nearly 10 years to the day this was posted

[FKAri]

Helicopters are dangerous and theres no chance of survival if crashed. Kobe shouldnt have done this, he was putting his own life in danger.

Little of chance of survival in a plane crash. Guess he shouldn't have boarded a plane. Or sat on a balcony that's higher than the 6th floor. How do you handle risk assessment in your life?

[DoctorP]

Helicopters are dangerous and theres no chance of survival if crashed. Kobe shouldnt have done this, he was putting his own life in danger.

Mamba mentality is go all out. Mamba gonna mamba.

[GOBB]

Helicopters are dangerous and theres no chance of survival if crashed. Kobe shouldnt have done this, he was putting his own life in danger.

They are not dangerous. People die in car crashes more than helicopter crashes. Andy Reid son just got into a car crash because he was under the influence of alcohol. Now a 5yr old is likely to have permanent brain damage because of him.

[Kiddlovesnets]

They are not dangerous. People die in car crashes more than helicopter crashes. Andy Reid son just got into a car crash because he was under the influence of alcohol. Now a 5yr old is likely to have permanent brain damage because of him.

It is dangerous, far more dangerous than passenger cars and flights. I've heard quite a few helicopter crashes incidents in the news during the last 5 years, lets not act Kobe was the first and only celebrity/businessman died riding a helicopter.

[GOBB]

It is dangerous, far more dangerous than passenger cars and flights. I've heard quite a few helicopter crashes incidents in the news during the last 5 years, lets not act Kobe was the first and only celebrity/businessman died riding a helicopter.

Are you serious?

38,800 in 2019
42,060 in 2020

So the last 5 years how many people have died in helicopters?

[ralph_i_el]

They are not dangerous. People die in car crashes more than helicopter crashes. Andy Reid son just got into a car crash because he was under the influence of alcohol. Now a 5yr old is likely to have permanent brain damage because of him.

More people die in car crashes because for ever one helicopter trip, there are thousands and thousands of car trips. Riding in a helicopter is much much much more dangerous than just about any other form of transportation. The original purpose of helicopters was taking off and landing in areas where nothing else could get to, to get people who needed medical attention very quickly (a situation that is worth the risk).

Riding in a helicopter because you don't want to waiting in traffic is a stupid risk.

[light]

This one has a sad ending.

[GOBB]

More people die in car crashes because for ever one helicopter trip, there are thousands and thousands of car trips. Riding in a helicopter is much much much more dangerous than just about any other form of transportation. The original purpose of helicopters was taking off and landing in areas where nothing else could get to, to get people who needed medical attention very quickly (a situation that is worth the risk).

Riding in a helicopter because you don't want to waiting in traffic is a stupid risk.

You’re wrong.

[Kiddlovesnets]

You’re wrong.

Nope you are wrong. The likelihood of death in helicopter trips is greater than car or flight trips. The absolute number is smaller only because, there are very few people actually take helicopter trips compared to cars/flights.

[ralph_i_el]

You’re wrong.

I just did some googling, and I may be wrong. It's hard to compare, because we don't really have stats on people flying helicopters for personal use vs. stuff like flying tourists out over the Grand Canyon (something with almost no risk).

I got to ride on up onto a glacier, it was pretty sick.

[GOBB]

lol come on dude. How many people ride in a car every day? How many people ride in a helicopter every day? Raw death numbers are absolutely POINTLESS to this topic.

Again you’re wrong. Helicopter crashes have decreased in the last 30 years.

Over the past few decades, the number of accidents involving helicopters has fallen. Last year saw the second lowest number of helicopter accidents over the past 30 years with just 125 incidents. In 1990, there were 228 helicopter accidents in the U.S - quote from article

Fact of life? The average joe is not traveling via helicopter. The amount of helicopter flights are less generally speaking. Kobe used a private helicopter as a means of transportation. One freak accident occurred laregrly due to HUMAN ERROR and not the ida of taking a helicopter. Many questions can be asked. Bad weather day that maybe just maybe they shouldn’t take flown in. Kobe used this private helicopter many times and survived. This thread was made in 2010. It took a whole decade later for a freak accident to occur for you and another person to PRETEND helicopters are dangerous. They are not.

[ralph_i_el]

Again you’re wrong. Helicopter crashes have decreased in the last 30 years.

Over the past few decades, the number of accidents involving helicopters has fallen. Last year saw the second lowest number of helicopter accidents over the past 30 years with just 125 incidents. In 1990, there were 228 helicopter accidents in the U.S - quote from article

Fact of life? The average joe is not traveling via helicopter. The amount of helicopter flights are less generally speaking. Kobe used a private helicopter as a means of transportation. One freak accident occurred laregrly due to HUMAN ERROR and not the ida of taking a helicopter. Many questions can be asked. Bad weather day that maybe just maybe they shouldn’t take flown in. Kobe used this private helicopter many times and survived. This thread was made in 2010. It took a whole decade later for a freak accident to occur for you and another person to PRETEND helicopters are dangerous. They are not.

Apparently the rate of helicopter crashes was cut in half over the last 10 years. Also, I deleted that post (before your post) because I now know I was wrong.

Most car crashes are also due to human error, and helicopters are much more likely to be flown by a professional than a car, which also impacts the death rates.

Lets see the death rate of cars driven by professional drivers vs. Helicopters being flown by amateurs...

[hateraid]

My friend is a helicopter pilot that does short trips to islands. His fleet flies out 5 times a day each pilot. His whole flett hasn't had a fatility in 15 years.
Helicopter crashes make the news because they are more interesting.

[light]

My friend is a helicopter pilot that does short trips to islands. His fleet flies out 5 times a day each pilot. His whole flett hasn't had a fatility in 15 years.
Helicopter crashes make the news because they are more interesting.

Celebrities fly in helicopters all the time and we never hear about them dying in a helicopter crash. In fact it's so rare that Kobe is the only celebrity that I know of who has died in a helicopter crash.

[GOBB]

Nope you are wrong. The likelihood of death in helicopter trips is greater than car or flight trips. The absolute number is smaller only because, there are very few people actually take helicopter trips compared to cars/flights.

Listen man you need to do a bit of reading. And I’m not saying that as if I’m some expert on helicopters. What I do know from reading is they are not dangerous. Kobe helicopter didn’t fall out the sky because it malfunctioned. You do realize that? There was no mechanical failure where the pilot couldn’t have saved them only GOD. It was human error. The pilot is getting the blame because he flew in weather conditions most said he shouldn’t have. Was that pressure from getting Kobe to his destination? Was that a discussion he brought up and Kobe said push through it? Don’t know. What we do know is that crash was avoidable. He could have landed and waited. He could have switched to auto pilot where these helicopters are designed to fly in these conditions because a human could easily make a fatal mistake (as we saw). From what I read he was speeding and thought he was climbing above the clouds when he was really descending. It happens when a pilot becomes disoriented and they feel they are leveled out or going up. It’s called the leans. Dude was trained enough to know this. Maybe since he was close to destination he wanted to push through. Again many questions that go unanswered but this was avoidable.


Helicopter also has a strong safety record. So it didn’t crash due to mechanical failure which most people assume happens in crashes. And this is why you probably feel they are dangerous because hey engine could go out and you’re done.

[GOBB]

Apparently the rate of helicopter crashes was cut in half over the last 10 years. Also, I deleted that post (before your post) because I now know I was wrong.

Most car crashes are also due to human error, and helicopters are much more likely to be flown by a professional than a car, which also impacts the death rates.

Lets see the death rate of cars driven by professional drivers vs. Helicopters being flown by amateurs...

Correct about most helicopters flown by professionals. Guess what? The pilot was a pro and ignored his training. Thus crashing. Go figure. Even professionals make fatal errors.

I’m curious (not being a dbag). What makes a helicopter dangerous? The threat of a mechanical issue happening up in air? The experiencing of the person piloting the helicopter?

[warriorfan]

Correct about most helicopters flown by professionals. Guess what? The pilot was a pro and ignored his training. Thus crashing. Go figure. Even professionals make fatal errors.

I’m curious (not being a dbag). What makes a helicopter dangerous? The threat of a mechanical issue happening up in air? The experiencing of the person piloting the helicopter?

Helicopters are much more difficult to fly and there is less margin for error. Professionals are still able to make mistakes at times...all it takes is one.

[clipps]

Kobe's helicopter crash was a murder-suicide.

[ralph_i_el]

Kobe's helicopter crash was a murder-suicide.

I heard it was actually Iran, and the US government covered it up.

[GOBB]

Helicopters are much more difficult to fly and there is less margin for error. Professionals are still able to make mistakes at times...all it takes is one.

Definitely. But this instance it was an avoidable mistake. I’m trying to understand how helicopters are dangerous. Being difficult to fly isn’t one. Less margin for error applies to private jets, planes and trains as well. None are dangerous. Helicopters may be scary given their size. But dangerous to fly? Not even close.

Kobe died to bad weather and human error

[hiphopanonymous]

Definitely. But this instance it was an avoidable mistake. I’m trying to understand how helicopters are dangerous. Being difficult to fly isn’t one. Less margin for error applies to private jets, planes and trains as well. None are dangerous. Helicopters may be scary given their size. But dangerous to fly? Not even close.

Kobe died to bad weather and human error
Gobb couldn't you also argue cars aren't dangerous? Just the drivers behind them? Same with motorcycles, guns? Etc? Is this your stance on all these as well?

[DoctorP]

I heard it was actually Iran, and the US government covered it up.

Retaliation for the murder of an Iranian war general. I gorgot his name vut Trump killed him in 2019

[FultzNationRISE]

I heard it was actually Iran, and the US government covered it up.

:lebronamazed:

Fvck.

I KNEW the Orange Man was Bad! :rant

[warriorfan]

Definitely. But this instance it was an avoidable mistake. I’m trying to understand how helicopters are dangerous. Being difficult to fly isn’t one. Less margin for error applies to private jets, planes and trains as well. None are dangerous. Helicopters may be scary given their size. But dangerous to fly? Not even close.

Kobe died to bad weather and human error

Airplanes are cruising at much higher altitudes and have auto pilot capabilities. If you lose visibility for awhile it’s manageable. In a helicopter cruising at much lower heights with no autopilot, if you lose visibility you die. Even if you don’t run into a mountain immediately, it becomes impossible to orient yourself with no visual point of reference and you will eventually end up flying out of control and crashing.

You are right it was an avoidable mistake though. The weather conditions were very uncertain and he should have turned around. His pilot was supposed to be the best of the best but he had a moment of bad judgement.

[hiphopanonymous]

Airplanes are cruising at much higher altitudes and have auto pilot capabilities. If you lose visibility for awhile it’s manageable. In a helicopter cruising at much lower heights with no autopilot, if you lose visibility you die. Even if you don’t run into a mountain immediately, it becomes impossible to orient yourself with no visual point of reference and you will eventually end up flying out of control and crashing.

You are right it was an avoidable mistake though. The weather conditions were very uncertain and he should have turned around. His pilot was supposed to be the best of the best but he had a moment of bad judgement.
Deadsticking a helicopter (losing power) is also much more dangerous than deadsticking an airplane. Airplanes create more lift with their wings vs rotors and can glide better.

[FultzNationRISE]

Deadsticking a helicopter (losing power) is also much more dangerous than deadsticking an airplane. Airplanes create more lift with their wings vs rotors and can glide better.

What about longsticking?

I heard Lebron is good at that.

If ya know what I mean ;)

[GOBB]

Airplanes are cruising at much higher altitudes and have auto pilot capabilities. If you lose visibility for awhile it’s manageable. In a helicopter cruising at much lower heights with no autopilot, if you lose visibility you die. Even if you don’t run into a mountain immediately, it becomes impossible to orient yourself with no visual point of reference and you will eventually end up flying out of control and crashing.

You are right it was an avoidable mistake though. The weather conditions were very uncertain and he should have turned around. His pilot was supposed to be the best of the best but he had a moment of bad judgement.

Which is why there are helicopters that are designed (like Kobe’s) to handle such things without you crashing. The pilot didn’t put it on auto pilot so it could navigate accurately in the fog.

[ralph_i_el]

Retaliation for the murder of an Iranian war general. I gorgot his name vut Trump killed him in 2019

Bingo. Iran said there a was no equivalent hero to Solemiani to kill in America. Then Kobe dies. Q

[warriorfan]

Which is why there are helicopters that are designed (like Kobe’s) to handle such things without you crashing. The pilot didn’t put it on auto pilot so it could navigate accurately in the fog.

The pilot couldn’t turn on auto pilot. The helicopter had none. There is flying by VFR and IFR. IFR is flying by instrument flight rules. VFR is visual flight rules. Kobe’s helicopter was only licensed for VFR. I believe the advantage with VFR is you don’t have to be in constant communication with ground control while they plot out your flight plan and track you through it like with IFR. With VFR you are free to fly wherever you want pretty much but are responsible for your own safety. It’s faster and more convenient but more dangerous. 99.9% of the time it would have been no problem. The weather was very unusual that day. Most of California was hit with a very low and thick fog that is usually never seen.

[Mask the Embiid]

If it was 10 years to the day this thread would of actually went viral outside of ish.

[GOBB]

The pilot couldn’t turn on auto pilot. The helicopter had none. There is flying by VFR and IFR. IFR is flying by instrument flight rules. VFR is visual flight rules. Kobe’s helicopter was only licensed for VFR. I believe the advantage with VFR is you don’t have to be in constant communication with ground control while they plot out your flight plan and track you through it like with IFR. With VFR you are free to fly wherever you want pretty much but are responsible for your own safety. It’s faster and more convenient but more dangerous. 99.9% of the time it would have been no problem. The weather was very unusual that day. Most of California was hit with a very low and thick fog that is usually never seen.

They shouldn’t have flown. And when they did and conditions were bad should have landed the helicopter. Flying in that kind of weather is dangerous. Not so much the helicopter itself. You are right it didn’t have that terrain equipment. Thought it did. I believe emergency personnel grounded their flights that morning

[DoctorP]

Bingo. Iran said there a was no equivalent hero to Solemiani to kill in America. Then Kobe dies. Q

yeah so you can blame Kobes death on Trump if you like.

[Axe]

Celebrities fly in helicopters all the time and we never hear about them dying in a helicopter crash. In fact it's so rare that Kobe is the only celebrity that I know of who has died in a helicopter crash.
Colin mcrae isn't familiar to you, lord voldemort? Lmao.

[FultzNationRISE]

Colin mcrae isn't familiar to you, lord voldemort? Lmao.


Or Stevie Ray Vaughan :cry:

(Not taking a position on chopper safety here, just shouting out SRV)

[Axe]

Or Stevie Ray Vaughan :cry:

(Not taking a position on chopper safety here, just shouting out SRV)
And many more. But what sucks about these choppers is that not all of them are required to have black boxes that contain both fdr and cvr.

Should be mandatory even for older models so they will be useful during investigations, in case future accidents involving choppers occur.

[Atlantis]

Celebrities fly in helicopters all the time and we never hear about them dying in a helicopter crash. In fact it's so rare that Kobe is the only celebrity that I know of who has died in a helicopter crash.

Did you hear about the French billionaire named Dassault who just died a few days ago?

[LAmbruh]

:(

[RRR3]

:(
Cmon man. Don’t troll about this that’s ****ed

[LAmbruh]

Cmon man. Don’t troll about this that’s ****ed


you see me playing captain buzzkill in your gastrick fartpass kys megathreads? :kobe: tread lightly with that dr phil skit cuh, idgaf if your xanny and box wine just kicked in dem cheeks can get clapped.

[RRR3]

you see me playing captain buzzkill in your gastrick fartpass kys megathreads? :kobe: tread lightly with that dr phil skit cuh, idgaf if your xanny and box wine just kicked in dem cheeks can get clapped.
Patrick is a Nazi he deserves it, bro. I don’t tell him to kill himself I said I wouldn’t care if he died :lol

[scuzzy]

you 2 both are way out of control calm tf down srsly

[clipps]

Helicopters are dangerous and theres no chance of survival if crashed. Kobe shouldnt have done this, he was putting his own life in danger.

Are you afraid of your own shadow? P*ssy.