January 22, 2021 - On Hank Aaron, Kobe and 81 and Shaq vs. Mitchell

The Late Night Happy Hour with Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

On Friday's Late Night Happy Hour, the Kamenetzky Brothers remember Hank Aaron, who died Friday at the age of 86. Plus, it's the 15th anniversary of Kobe Bryant's 81 point game, and a feud (of sorts) has broken out between Shaq and Donovan Mitchell, thanks to a very, very awkward postgame interview.

Well, it's not really a feud, but it was a moment pointing to a common criticism of NBA broadcasts.

We start with Hank Aaron, whose significance as a Black athlete breaking the home run record of a revered white man, and the work he did during and after his career, made him an icon of both sports and civil rights. But in that process, it's easy to forget just how dominant he was, and for how long. Not just good, not just a Hall of Famer, but truly one of the greatest few to ever play the game.

Aaron's greatness is a natural transition to the greatness of Kobe. January 22nd marked the 15th anniversary of his 81-point game against Toronto at Staples Center, coming just four days before the first anniversary of his death. It creates a real sense of mixed emotions in Los Angeles, and across the basketball world.

We remember that night, talk about the season that surrounded that game, and the MVP vote that came later.

Finally... It's Shaq vs. Mitchell. What was Shaq doing? And why does he always have to punch down?