The relationship between Gan Guoyang and Kobe is a mixture of hostility and warmth.
Kobe has grown another year older, and under his persistence, his marriage with Vanessa now seems very blissful.
His once-opposing parents and his mother, who tried to control him, are powerless and helpless under Kobe’s stubbornness and disregard, like many other parents.
Kobe has truly matured. Over the summer, he sold the house where he once lived with his parents, effectively driving them out of the home.
He bought a villa in Portland’s new development district, no longer at Oswego Lake Park, and he also bought a new house in Los Angeles for his mother-in-law, spending most of his offseason in Los Angeles.
His private trainer, who had accompanied him through high school and the first few seasons of his career, was fired, as the trainer seemed to lack respect for Vanessa, the lady of the house.
The housekeeper, who used to look after their big family, sued in court, claiming Vanessa abused her during work.
Kobe’s relationship with his sisters has worsened, also related to Vanessa, but insiders say it may not necessarily be because of Vanessa, but rather because Kobe has changed.
Kobe is indeed changing, becoming harder to control, becoming more self-opinionated, not caring what others think of him, including his closest kin: parents, brothers, and sisters.
This might be a kind of talent Kobe possesses. You could call him indifferent, but in terms of blocking out external influence and being firm in his choices, he indeed has a unique talent.
He never internally struggles or overthinks. In his mind, the problem is never with him; it’s always someone else’s fault, even if that person is his mom or dad.
After consecutive failures in the Western Conference finals during the 01 and 02 seasons, Kobe believes it’s time for a significant adjustment in his career and life.
He wants to have an MVP-level season, a championship season that truly belongs to him.
He’s already 24. What achievements did Ah Gan have at 24? A three-peat.
Kobe also has three rings, but they all bear Ah Gan’s imprint, and he doesn’t even have one Finals MVP.
Gan Guoyang might be the only person who can cause internal struggle for Kobe; his brilliance is blinding, and Kobe has been hugely influenced.
Compared to last season, Kobe’s "resentment" towards Ah Gan has significantly decreased, and he has "forgiven" Ah Gan for betraying Portland.
Meanwhile, he experienced a major mindset shift, thinking how fortunate it is that Ah Gan can return but not play in Portland.
Because this gives Kobe a chance to beat Ah Gan in the playoffs and thus climb to the championship.
With Jordan and Ah Gan united, Kobe feels his opportunity has arrived. Is there a more perfect script for a new king’s ascension?
While others are fearful, Kobe feels excited and spent a considerable amount of summer training, honing his skills.
After the new season began, the Portland Trail Blazers were in great shape, with core players further developing and their bench strengthened with strong reinforcements.
Rick Carlisle’s coaching abilities continue to improve and perfect, and everyone feels that this might be the year.
Especially since Shaquille O’Neal has departed for the Eastern Conference, and Glory Team was also moved there, leaving the Sacramento Kings as the Trail Blazers’ strongest competition in the Western Conference.
As the new season began, Kobe played at the highest level of his career, averaging 29 points, 5 assists, and 5 rebounds per game so far.
The Trail Blazers played defense-focused basketball this season, with a slow offensive pace, aiming to suppress opponents’ scoring, leading to fewer overall team points.
Moreover, the team had many scoring players, yet Kobe could still average 29 points per game, with no significant increase in shot attempts compared to the previous season, proving his excellent form.
In terms of offensive skills, he has progressed from the agility of his rookie and sophomore years to a more solid and substantial style.
He reduced large directional changes and introduced simple moves relying on his body, making him more efficient and aggressive.
Kobe’s improvements aren’t just in offense. His defense is among the League’s best, becoming the Trail Blazers’ primary defensive barrier on the perimeter.
Undoubtedly, the 2002-2003 season is one where Kobe reaches his peak.
At three o’clock in the afternoon on December 25, at the Rose Garden Arena, not a single seat was empty, nor was any fan late; many didn’t even want to miss Ah Gan and Jordan’s warm-ups.
Gan Guoyang barely had any time to warm up, constantly signing autographs and taking photos with fans courtside. Eventually, when it wasn’t feasible anymore, he returned to the court to shoot a few simple balls.
He’s no longer playing in Portland, but tales of him fill the city; just look up to see ten championship banners flying high.
Interestingly, Gan Guoyang’s number 11 jersey with the Trail Blazers has not retired yet.
The new owner of the Trail Blazers seems unwilling to retire Gan Guoyang’s jersey, but no one dares to wear number 11 with the Trail Blazers.
Gan Guoyang, however, is very generous, saying, "I don’t mind if someone wears number 11. I think it represents a legacy and encouragement."
Anyway, that’s what he did at Gonzaga University, where jersey number 11 is sacred, reserved only for those who can be a cornerstone for the team in the paint.
Up until 2025, only two players at Gonzaga University have donned the number 11 jersey: one is Sabonis’ son and the other is Holmgren.
The Trail Blazers are unlikely to do the same. They have officially stated they will wait until Gan Guoyang officially retires to retire his jersey.
"What if he comes back?" Phil Knight’s comment garnered recognition from Portland fans, boosting his popularity there quite a bit.