NEW YORK -- As a self-trained psychoanalyst, I'm greatly tempted to explore the alcoves of Kobe Bryant's innermost thoughts regarding loneliness, ruthless words about Shaquille O'Neal and dirty deed with a stranger whose allegation will stain him forever even if found innocent (bad choice of words), I meant to say, not guilty.
As someone who hasn't known Kobe since he was born (despite having covered, dined and partied with his father, Joe, when he played for the 76ers), I really liked what I saw up close and, at times, very personal.
Whenever my family was in the vicinity, Kobe would go out of his way to say hello and make sensible conversation for a few minutes when he could have easily hit and run like most artists. Immediately after the Lakers beat the Nets two years ago, Kobe invited my son into his private celebration nook and dropped a pair of signed sneakers on him.