145: Sometimes, we really can't afford to upset Roger (asking for monthly tickets!)_3

Kobe left Stern and headed to the broadcast booth to be interviewed by Ernie Johnson. "Bryant, congratulations. As a fellow high-school rookie, now a two-time FMVP, Roger thinks you should have been the number one pick. What do you think about his assessment of you?"

"Thanks for his praise, he's the confidence and benchmark for all high school players out there. I can't wait to face him on the court!"

A look of longing filled Kobe's eyes; he was now genuinely an NBA player too, eager to dive into the competition with Roger.

At that moment, Kobe had no idea how difficult this path would turn out to be.

Nobody could have predicted that this was the beginning of yet another great rivalry.