Kobe Bryant did a 5 city “Supernatural Tour” through Asia to promote his latest brand of Nikes. Bryant hit Manila, Taipei (where he opened a new Nike store), Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Beijing, spreading the love of basketball, holding clinics, and giving interviews:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RcYut5ySPyk[/youtube]

Can anybody tell me why Kobe felt compelled to take his shirt off at the 2 minute mark? That seemed kinda strange.. Highlights of the interview:

Q: An Olympic gold medal or another NBA championship?

KB: Well fortunately I don’t have to choose one or the other.

Of course he doesn’t have to choose.. The Lakers don’t have a chance at winning the championship.

Q: When you come back to the Lakers do you expect to have new teammates?

KB: You know what, I don’t know. I just train really hard and just get ready. Whatever happens happens. I just try to stay healthy, work hard, and go from there.

Translation: I promised Mitch I wouldn’t rip him or the team anymore but you’re f****** straight I expect something to be done. KG went to Boston. Boston?!? Who the hell would choose Boston over L.A.? That’s how screwed up things are with the Lakers.

Q: With the problems haunting athletes like Michael Vick, Barry Bonds and all that..How do you keep yourself an ideal role model for people like my son who skipped school today to see you?

Kobe gave the cookie cutter answer to the question, but I found it funny that Kobe’s in Manila getting asked about Vick and Barry Bonds… And he’s one helluva role model if kids are skipping school to see him.

Ok this next video is kinda long, and the sound quality is trash, but check out Kobe’s Rockstar status entrance at the beginning.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hCp7_gv1zA[/youtube]

Mamba’s the man in Manila. You can get a full recap of his Asian tour here.

NBA star Kobe Bryant in Taiwan on five-stop Asian Tour. Courtesy of Earth Times

A day with Kobe in Manila. Courtesy of KB24.com

Tags: Kobe Bryant, Nike, You Tube, Video, Asian Tour, Supernatural

Photo Courtesy of KB24.com