NBC LA Channel 4 News Reporter Rick Montanez interviews Akeem Mair, Wesley Mair, and Rudy Becerra at Kobe Bryant’s Memorial
The whole world was shocked when news of Lakers basketball legend Kobe Bryant’s untimely death hit the internet. The unfortunate incident not only took the life of Kobe Bryant but also cut short the lives of eight other people, including Bryant’s daughter Gianna. Akeem Mair, Wesley Mair, and Rudy Becerra are three best friends and Kobe Bryant superfans, and they were spending time together when they found out about the tragic accident. They were also among the last people who were allowed to visit the Kobe Bryant memorial site at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. After noticing the friend group’s deep connection to Bryant, NBC LA Channel 4 news reporter Rick Montanez asked to interview them and to share their story with the world.
Friends Akeem Mair, Wesley Mair, and Rudy Becerra grew up in families passionate about basketball and avid supporters of the Lakers. The three friends grew up watching Kobe Bryant play and saw him grow from a rookie in the NBA to one of the biggest basketball legends. “I still remember the final game he played at the Staples Center against the Utah Jazz on April 13, 2016,” Akeem Mair said, “He dropped sixty points in that game! And it was a beautiful end to his professional gaming career. When he gave his final words of ‘Mamba out,’ it genuinely echoed throughout the world.”
Akeem Mair can still perfectly recall the moment he discovered his idol’s accident. “Wesley and I were at Rudy’s apartment in Huntington Beach. TMZ broke the news, and as we were scrambling and trying to check our phones, Rudy saw the article first and showed it to us,” Akeem shared, “At first, I could not believe it. I thought he was joking around. But it was true, and I was gutted. It felt like we had lost a loved one. News of Kobe’s death hit us even harder after we learned that his daughter Gianna was also a victim of the crash.”
Like many around the United States and worldwide, Akeem Mair wanted to pay tribute to the late basketball superstar. The Staples Center in Los Angeles was one of the many memorial sites that popped up following Byrant’s death. “I convinced Wesely and Rudy that we should go to the Staples Center and pay our respects. So we went on the last day,” Akeem explained. Upon getting there, they were incredibly moved by the outpour of love and support for Kobe and all the crash victims. Kobe fans have gathered en masse to grieve the loss of a legend and superstar. “There were so many people,” Akeem recalled, “People were wearing Kobe’s jersey. They had flowers, balloons, basketballs, photos, shoes and other memorabilia. Everyone was just there to honor him and his memory.”
Akeem Mair, Wesley Mair, and Rudy Becerra must have stood out from the hundreds of people at the memorial at the Staples Center. After the three wrote their dedications to Kobe on the massive white walls, they were approached by Rick Montanez, a reporter from NBC LA Channel 4, back in 2020. “He interviewed each of us, asking us how we were feeling and what our thoughts and sentiments were,” Akeem said. The three friends wasted no time letting Rick Montanez know how important Kobe Bryant was to their lives.
“I remember saying that I was glad I came to the memorial, Rudy Becerra said, “I thought it was important that the people of LA and all Kobe fans were allowed to grieve.” On the other hand, Wesley chose to focus on the impact Kobe Bryant had on his fans. “He was so loved,” Wesley said, “His professionalism, skills, and kindness will live forever.” Akeem Mair talked to Rick Montanez about Kobe’s impact on his life, saying, “I want Vanessa Bryant to know that her husband touched so many hearts. I may not know him personally, but he is my hero.”
