Kobe Bryant is beloved in Los Angeles and that is unlikely to ever change. From the outside looking in, many fans can't seem to understand Kobe Bryant is held in such high regard by Lakers fans.

Even after LeBron James signed with the Lakers, diehard Kobe fans aren't willing to let him into the fold that easy. But former Showtime Laker, Mychal Thompson, explained why Bryant is still revered in Los Angeles. Thompson told Scott Cacciola of the New York Times:

“Oh, that’s easy, man: his passion, his competitiveness and his desire to win,” Thompson said in a telephone interview. “He gave fans every ounce he had. Kobe would never take a night off. And if you asked him if he wanted to rest, he would look at you like you’re crazy.”

Thompson nails his description of why Bryant has such an unflinching fanbase. They treat their Kobe fandom the same way that Laker icon treated basketball. The passion and desire to win are unmatched. His fans will never let you “win” an argument when it comes to their favorite player.

And it seems like for many Kobe Bryant fans, they aren't willing to sit any arguments out. They're always willing to ride or die for their guy.

Bryant's passion, competitiveness, and desire to win were all ingredients that made him such a successful player. He was constantly striving to outdo his opponents and he never seemed to care about anything other than being the best. That's why his fans are so passionate. They're just trying to be like him.