At a time where social media is more relevant than ever, as ~influencers~ use it as a platform for both business and pleasure, Kobe makes his stand. “It helps in good ways,” but also notes how easy it is for people to lose themselves in false perceptions. In a sea of likes and follows, Kobe believes it’s important to stay grounded through it all. He chooses to be appreciative and supportive rather than judgemental with what he sees online. If you take a look at Kobe’s socials, you’ll see how his Instagram and Twitter bios front the phrase “not an influencer”. For an athlete who’s got everyone talking, he’s got this to say about being in the limelight. “I don’t influence anyone. I’m a human being. I do what I do because I love it. I don’t try to please anyone and I don’t try to be someone I’m not for the public eye.”

These days, the star athlete has been focusing on what really matters — spending some much needed downtime with his family and donating to those in need. “I always try to reach out to my loved ones, it’s important to make them feel your love.” He’s been passing the time during lockdown by watching movies with them and simply enjoying the bonding moments that they get to share together. But at the same time Kobe sees the importance in donating and lending a helping hand to our frontliners and to those in need. If his most affordable purchase over the course of the lockdown are the pieces he got from H&M, his most expensive on the other hand was no material thing, but rather the help he’s been giving back to the community.