Former Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant has never shied away from any topic regarding social justice. So in a way, it was a shame that Bryant was already retired when NFL players were kneeling during the national anthem to protest police brutality.

NBA players did not end up kneeling for anthem, perhaps because NBA Commissioner Adam Silver came out and said he expected the league's players to stand. But the reason could have been as simple as the NBA encourages its players to speak about issues already, and many did not feel the need to kneel when they can just speak publicly about the matter.

What would Kobe Bryant have done? Well, he gave the answer to Jemele Hill of The Undefeated.

“Yeah, I would have participated in it, for sure,” Bryant said. “I'm sure I would have gotten some flak for it. That's fine. I think that Colin's message was a very simple one. It was police brutality needs to stop; we need to take a look at that.”

Article Continues Below
More Los Angeles Lakers News
Kevon Looney, Al Horford, Steven Adams, and Clint Capela on the Lakers court.
Sources: Lakers’ likeliest strategy to fixing center problemAnthony Irwin ·
Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (24) makes a block attempt against Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland (10) during the first half at Delta Center.
NBA rumors: Lakers insider reveals why trade for Jazz star is unlikelyScotty White ·
Bucks Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) of the Milwaukee Bucks defends Western Conference forward LeBron James (23) of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first quarter in the 73rd NBA All Star game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse
Giannis Antetokounmpo sounds off on LeBron James’ ‘no bag’ mic dropJulian Ojeda ·
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts during the second half in game five of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena.
Lakers’ Luka Doncic seen putting in offseason work in the gymRexwell Villas ·
Kobe Bryant Nike Air Force 1 "Triple White", Kobe Bryant, Nike Air Force 1
Kobe Bryant Nike Air Force 1 ‘Triple White’ release detailsDominik Zawartko ·
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) controls the ball against the Denver Nuggets during the second half in game three of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Crypto.com Arena.
Lakers’ LeBron James reacts to Jamie Foxx’s big BET Awards nightJosh Davis ·

Bryant added that he felt no one in his locker room would've had a problem with him protesting, and was basing that opinion on 20 years in the NBA.

“From my experience in the locker room, it doesn't seem like any of the players that I played with certainly would have had an issue with that. I think we understand this is a free country. I think we have the right to peaceful protest. And by the way, from my point of view, that's what the flag represents as well. The ability to speak. The ability to voice your opinion. And everybody is entitled to that. So everybody getting up in arms about it, they're certainly in their right to do that, as we're certainly in our right to protest—peacefully, at that.”

Watch the full video below.