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Welcome to The Los Angeles Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Jose Suarez extends surge, but Angels’ bats remain cold in loss to Astros

• Upcoming Tinlicker concert

• A deep dive into the life of Kobe Bryant

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"The only way to do great work is to love what you do."

— Steve Jobs

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Los Angeles Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

What is the name of the oldest public park in Los Angeles?

A) Griffith Park

B) Elysian Park

C) Echo Park

D) MacArthur Park

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia:

The name of the first film studio built in Los Angeles is C) Nestor Studio

The Best Stories of the Week

💼Business

Lakeview Innovation Center office campus in Thousand Oaks sold to partnership. (Link)

Phenix Salon Suites, Mexican restaurant among new tenants for Hollywood Park. (Link)

🏒Sports

Swanson: Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani creates 50-50 club of his own. (Link)

Jose Suarez extends surge, but Angels’ bats remain cold in loss to Astros. (Link)

🏦Finance

Hermosa Beach restaurant Ryla and adjoining apartments sell for $6.5 million. (Link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

⚾ San Diego Padres at Los Angeles Dodgers
Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles
Thursday, Sep. 26th | (More info)

⚽ Washington Spirit at Angel City FC
BMO Stadium, Los Angeles
Friday, Sep. 27th | (More info)

Music & Performances

🎶 Tinlicker
The Novo, Los Angeles
Friday, Sep. 27th | (More info)

🎶 Joywave
The Regent Theater, Los Angeles
Sunday, Sep. 29th | (More info)

Family Friendly events

🏘️ Basic Training Real Estate Investor Boot Camp
3376 Motor Avenue, Los Angeles
Saturday, Sep. 28th | (More info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “Futuristic Los Angeles where AI and innovation intertwine with iconic landmarks” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Los Angeles History

1992 Los Angeles Riots: A Turning Point in Racial Tensions

One of the most significant events in Los Angeles history was the 1992 Los Angeles Riots, which erupted after the acquittal of four LAPD officers involved in the brutal beating of Rodney King, an African American man. The incident, caught on videotape, shocked the nation and underscored long-standing tensions between the police and minority communities in the city. When the officers were acquitted on April 29, 1992, widespread anger turned into five days of unrest, with thousands of people taking to the streets in protest.

During the riots, parts of Los Angeles were engulfed in violence, looting, and arson, particularly in South Central LA. More than 60 people lost their lives, thousands were injured, and entire neighborhoods were destroyed. The National Guard was eventually called in to restore order, but the damage to the city’s infrastructure and social fabric was extensive, costing an estimated $1 billion in property damage.

The aftermath of the riots led to serious reflections on racial inequality, police reform, and economic disparity in Los Angeles. Efforts were made to rebuild the affected neighborhoods, but the event remains a painful chapter in the city's history, symbolizing the broader struggles for justice and equality that many marginalized communities in Los Angeles continue to face.

Famous People From Los Angeles

Kobe Bryant (1978-2022)

Kobe Bryant was born on August 23, 1978, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Joe "Jellybean" Bryant, a former NBA player, and Pamela Bryant. From an early age, Kobe showed an immense interest in basketball, often following his father's career as they moved between the U.S. and Italy, where Joe played professional basketball after his NBA career. Growing up in Italy, Kobe learned to speak Italian fluently and was influenced by European basketball styles, which would later enhance his versatility on the court. His early exposure to basketball, combined with an intense work ethic, set the foundation for his legendary career.

High School Stardom and NBA Aspirations (1996-1997)

In 1991, the Bryant family returned to the United States, and Kobe enrolled at Lower Merion High School in Philadelphia. He quickly made a name for himself as a standout player, leading his team to a state championship in his senior year. Kobe bypassed college, declaring for the 1996 NBA Draft at the age of 17. His extraordinary performance in high school earned him the attention of NBA scouts, and he was selected 13th overall by the Charlotte Hornets before being traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. This marked the beginning of his career with one of the most storied franchises in NBA history.

The Early Years with the Los Angeles Lakers (1997-1999)

Kobe’s first few years with the Lakers were marked by flashes of brilliance, but he struggled to establish himself as a dominant player on a team that included established veterans. During his rookie season, Bryant became the youngest player in NBA history to start in an All-Star game at just 19 years old. Though the Lakers were an exciting team, they had difficulty advancing deep into the playoffs. Despite being a young player, Kobe’s skills and competitiveness set him apart, and it became clear he would be a force in the league for years to come.

Championships and Stardom with Shaquille O’Neal (2000-2002)

From 2000 to 2002, Kobe Bryant, alongside star center Shaquille O'Neal, led the Lakers to three consecutive NBA championships, solidifying his status as one of the league’s elite players. Under coach Phil Jackson’s leadership, the team employed the triangle offense, allowing Kobe and Shaq to dominate the court. While Shaq was the more dominant player during these years, Kobe’s relentless work ethic and exceptional talent were critical to the Lakers’ success. By the time they completed their three-peat, Bryant was widely regarded as one of the best guards in the game.

The Mamba Mentality and Individual Success (2003-2007)

During this period, Kobe began to define what would later be known as the "Mamba Mentality," a philosophy rooted in unwavering focus, self-discipline, and a relentless pursuit of greatness. As his relationship with Shaq deteriorated, Kobe became the undisputed leader of the Lakers. In 2006, he scored 81 points in a single game against the Toronto Raptors, the second-highest total in NBA history. Despite his individual success, the Lakers struggled to reach championship contention during these years, leading Kobe to demand more from his teammates and the Lakers’ front office.

Return to Glory and Back-to-Back Championships (2008-2010)

After a brief period of uncertainty, the Lakers rebuilt their roster around Kobe and acquired key players like Pau Gasol. This led to a return to championship contention, with the Lakers reaching the NBA Finals in 2008, 2009, and 2010. They secured back-to-back championships in 2009 and 2010, with Kobe winning Finals MVP both times. The 2010 championship was particularly sweet for Kobe, as the Lakers defeated their longtime rivals, the Boston Celtics, in a hard-fought seven-game series. By this time, Kobe had cemented his legacy as one of the greatest players in NBA history.

Connection to Los Angeles (1996-2020)

Kobe's connection to Los Angeles extended far beyond the basketball court. He embraced the city as his home and became a cultural icon in Southern California. Fans adored him not just for his basketball prowess but for his work ethic, leadership, and philanthropic efforts. He invested in local communities, advocating for education, youth sports, and charitable causes, including his Mamba Sports Academy. Kobe embodied the spirit of Los Angeles: ambitious, gritty, and always striving for greatness. The city embraced him as its own, and he became one of the most beloved figures in Los Angeles sports history.

Injuries and Career Challenges (2011-2015)

As Kobe entered his 30s, the wear and tear of a long NBA career began to take its toll. He suffered several significant injuries, including a torn Achilles tendon in 2013, which sidelined him for much of the following seasons. Despite these setbacks, Kobe remained determined to return to the court, working tirelessly to recover and continue playing at a high level. His resilience during these years epitomized the "Mamba Mentality" as he refused to let injuries define the end of his career. Though the Lakers struggled in his absence, Kobe's presence and leadership remained a guiding force for the team.

Final Season and Retirement (2015-2016)

Kobe Bryant’s final season in the NBA was a farewell tour of epic proportions. Fans around the league celebrated his storied career at every stop, and arenas were packed to witness one of the greatest players of all time for the last time. In his final game on April 13, 2016, Kobe delivered an unforgettable performance, scoring 60 points against the Utah Jazz. His final moments on the court were a testament to his competitive spirit and ability to rise to the occasion, even in his 20th season. After the game, Kobe retired from the NBA, leaving behind an unmatched legacy.

Life After Basketball and Untimely Death (2016-2020)

After retiring from basketball, Kobe transitioned to various business and creative ventures. He won an Academy Award for his animated short film Dear Basketball, and he also wrote children's books, founded a venture capital firm, and continued his philanthropic work. Tragically, on January 26, 2020, Kobe and his daughter Gianna were killed in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California, sending shockwaves through the sports world and beyond. The outpouring of grief from fans, players, and celebrities demonstrated the profound impact Kobe had on basketball, Los Angeles, and the global community.

Key Achievements:

• 5-time NBA Champion (2000, 2001, 2002, 2009, 2010)

• 2-time NBA Finals MVP (2009, 2010)

• 18-time NBA All-Star

• 81-point game (2006), the second-highest in NBA history

• 2-time Olympic gold medalist (2008, 2012)

• Academy Award winner for Best Animated Short (Dear Basketball, 2018)

• Scored 60 points in his final NBA game (2016)

• Career total of 33,643 points, placing him fourth on the all-time NBA scoring list at the time of his retirement

Kobe Bryant’s legacy is defined by his excellence on and off the basketball court. Known for his Mamba Mentality, he revolutionized the sport with his relentless drive and pursuit of perfection. Even in retirement, Kobe’s influence extended to film, literature, and philanthropy, solidifying his place as a global icon. Though his life was tragically cut short, his legacy lives on, inspiring generations to strive for greatness.

Connect With Me

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I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Matthew Larsen

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