There was nothing that the late Kobe Bryant didn’t achieve. From winning an Oscar, and winning 5 NBA titles to becoming a legend in the basketball world, he was an icon. Whatever he touched seemed destined to turn to gold. Whether it was his game or his dedication, he was simply legendary. This was true not only in his career but also in his style. His understated fashion has always been a statement. And his iconic 2001 championship jacket made history.

In the latest episode of the All The Smoke podcast, Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson spoke with legendary Moroccan celebrity fashion designer Jeff Hamilton. He is the mastermind behind the championship jackets that dominated the ’90s NBA championships.

Bryant’s jacket was also designed by Hamilton, who later shared his experience of being part of that iconic moment. He even mentioned how the jacket became one of the most iconic fashion pieces last year. “I had my so all same pictures of Kobe right when you look at the trophy. You always see me yeah I’m in that picture. That’s such an iconic photo it was voted last year the most iconic piece of fashion in sports history,”  Hamilton said.

As it should be. Everything about that picture, the jacket, the moment, and the pose, was iconic and unforgettable. Rapper Snoop Dogg even owned a copy of that same jacket as part of his collection, which was later put up for auction in The Shiznit: The Snoop Dogg Memorabilia Auction.

The picture holds countless memories for fans, especially because of Bryant’s expression. Why did he look upset at that moment?

Kobe Bryant missed someone special 

In the picture, the Los Angeles Lakers legend is seen looking down with a sad expression, one hand on his chin, and the trophy placed right beside him. This was the Lakers’ and Bryant’s second championship victory. So why did he appear so sad? It was later revealed that he was missing his parents. Both Joe and Pam Bryant were absent from the championship game.

Kobe was disappointed that the most important people in his life, his parents, weren’t there to witness his triumph. According to sources, his parents were unhappy with his marriage to Vanessa Bryant because they were both very young.

His parents were reportedly discontent with him marrying someone of Latina heritage, which allegedly caused a rift in their relationship. However, Kobe eventually reconciled with his family. Whether personal or professional, every picture of Bryant tells a story; that’s what makes them iconic.