IT’S been almost two months now since Earl Clark went back home in the US following his stint as NLEX import in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
But before leaving the country, the 35-year-old former NBA player made sure to pay homage to a playing ground named in honor of his legendary fallen teammate.
Clark visited the ‘House of Kobe’ in Barangay Karuhatan, Valenzuela, around five to six kilometers away from the NLEX headquarters in Balintawak during a break in the Road Warriors’ campaign in the mid-season conference.
Clark pays Valenzuela playground in honor of Kobe Bryant a visit
The playing court was a tribute to the greatness of the late Kobe Bryant, whose tragic death in a helicopter crash in the city of Calabasas, California, marked its third year anniversary today in the US.
Clark was awed with the first-class amenity of the court that features 3D murals and memorabilia of the Los Angeles Lakers superstar.
Checking around brought back memories for the 6-foot-9 Louisville product during his time playing with Bryant and the Lakers in 2012-13.
“Absolutely. I know Kobe would love that gym, it’s beautiful. I know that is for the community. I think that’s a great thing, and I think all people should do the same thing,” he said.
‘The House of Kobe is beautiful. I took pictures, and I showed it to my friends and family. It’s a great place.”
Clark was with NLEX teammates Anthony Semerad, Matt Nieto, and veteran Asi Taulava along with some Road Warriors staff when they visited the facility, a brain child of Valenzuela City Second District Representative Eric Martinez, who was also around to welcome the group.
Incidentally, the playing court was inaugurated three years ago, just hours before Bryant, daughter Gianna, and seven others met their tragic death.
A first round pick (No. 14) by the Phoenix Suns in the 2009 draft, Clark came on board the Lakers in the 2012-13 season as part of a four-team trade that centered on Dwight Howard.
He played 59 games with the franchise and once served as the starting center for former coach Mike D’Antoni when Howard and Pau Gasol went down with injuries, and averaged 7.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.1 assists.
Short as his stint with the Lakers may be, but he did cherish playing together with one of the greatest basketball players of all time.
Clark described Bryant, a five-time NBA champion, 18-time All-Star, and MVP as someone who loves to keep pushing his teammates around.
“He’s a great teammate. He’s always positive,” he said of the ‘Black Mamba.’
“He shows tough love sometimes (coz) he always wanted to win,” added Clark, who said he had a great time visiting the gym.
In the end, the NLEX import expressed the same sentiment just about every basketball fans had been feeling all these years since Kobe passed away.
“I miss him,” said Clark.
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