This historic meeting meant a lot for both Kobe and Bob Williams.
Like many teams, a lot of them started out in different cities than those in which they play today. The Los Angeles Lakers once to be the Minneapolis Lakers. While the Lakers were visiting the Timberwolves, Kobe took the opportunity to meet a man who paved the way for him and other athletes to come. Bob Williams was the first black player for the Lakers while they played in Minneapolis.
Although Williams’ career didn’t last very long, the fact that he was the first black player for the Lakers leaves a bigger impression.