More than two decades after their names were forever linked by an on-court altercation, Chris Childs still remembers Kobe Bryant — but not for the reasons most people might think.
Their physical confrontation in April 2000 at Los Angeles’ Staples Center — where Childs landed a two-piece combination on a young, fiery Bryant — remains one of the most replayed fights in NBA history. But for Childs, it was never personal. It was simply two fierce competitors refusing to back down in the heat of the moment.
“We never sat down and talked about it; we were competitors,” Childs said recently. “We weren’t friends. We didn’t go to dinner, but we had mutual respect for each other as far as how we played the game and how we prepared, and I have nothing but respect for that man for what he’s done on the court and off the court.”
Back then, the NBA was a different place. Physicality was part of the culture. Players weren’t looking to hug it out after games — they battled for respect on every possession. And Kobe Bryant, even at just 21 years old, was already on the fast track to greatness, showcasing a rare blend of fearlessness, work ethic, and competitive fire.
Childs, a veteran guard who had carved out a career with grit and toughness, saw those same qualities in Bryant. Their clash wasn’t about hatred — it was a byproduct of two intense wills colliding.
Over time, as Bryant’s career blossomed into a Hall of Fame resume — five NBA championships, two Olympic gold medals, a league MVP, and countless unforgettable moments — Childs watched from afar, admiring how Kobe continually pushed himself and the game forward.
“If I can take a fraction of that and give back to the community; give back to girls basketball and give back to what I do which is mentoring young men and trying to help them become exceptional men,” Childs said, “then I’ve done his legacy proud and hopefully others can follow suit.”
Today, Childs spends much of his time mentoring youth, coaching, and working with community programs. He focuses on shaping character, using lessons from his playing days — and from observing legends like Bryant — to teach the next generation about resilience, discipline, and self-belief.
Bryant’s tragic death in January 2020 shook the basketball world to its core. Childs, like so many others who had shared the court with Kobe, felt the loss deeply.
“His untimely death was unfortunate. Time stopped, I stopped,” Childs reflected. “I’m pretty sure like any other guy that played with him or against him.”
For Childs, it wasn’t just the loss of a once-rival — it was the loss of a father, a mentor, a cultural icon who had seamlessly transitioned from basketball greatness to inspiring others through storytelling, philanthropy, and advocacy, particularly for women’s sports through his daughter Gianna’s dreams.
Chris Childs understands now more than ever that the best way to honor Kobe isn’t to rehash old battles or replay old footage — it’s to live by the values Kobe championed: relentless effort, unwavering confidence, and lifting others along the way.
Time has softened the edges of that memorable April night at the Garden. What remains is not the fight, but the respect — and the responsibility to carry a piece of Kobe’s legacy forward.
And as Childs continues his work with young men and women in his community, he does so with Kobe’s example in mind: to prepare with passion, to compete with heart, and to give back with purpose.
