Kobe's Final Game with Van Lathan Jr.

First Ballot: The Hall of Fame Podcast

Kobe Bryant's 60-point farewell was one of the greatest salutes to a career. Here to discuss Kobe's finale and whether it's First Ballot worthy is none other than the incredible co-host of the Higher Learning podcast, Oscar-winner, Van Lathan Jr., who discusses Kobe's legacy, great sports nicknames, and the moment that changed everything in his career.

Showtime Codes:

(12:20) What Van Lathan Jr. wanted to be when he grew up

(14:00) How the movie Do The Right Thing changed Van Lathan Jr.

(16:10) The movie that made Neil want to be a professional armwrestler

(18:40) Van's weight loss journey

(25:30) How Neil's mother inspires his inquiries into his own health and wellness journey

(32:10): Van describes his playing style

(33:13) Van Lathan Jr.'s player comp: Paul Pierce

(35:50) "I don't think that anybody has ever had a final game that is more emblematic"

(43:10) How Kobe makes people question their own mortality

(46:50) The autographs that Van has

(52:30) What Neil will remember from the game

(55:15) A moment that changed Van Lathan Jr.'s career

(58:15) The question Van has for the Warrior players

(01:00:48) "The trance of greatness"

(01:04:20) Van Lathan still watches the recording

(01:06:10) The game that made Neil cry

(01:07:15) Devil's advocate: Mamba Out

(01:09:48) Best sports nickname

(01:14:00) The part of the game that made Neil tear up

(01:17:28) The beverage Neil doesn't like (and it's not water)

(01:17:53) Neil shocked at Van's favorite movie

(01:19:20) Van's favorite dunk

(01:20:15) The criteria for a hall of fame

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