Bryant's habit of using helicopters to avoid downtown Los Angeles' notoriously bad traffic was well known. During his playing career, he would charter a chopper to take him from his home in Orange County to Staples Center for Lakers home games.

A 2010 profile of Bryant, published in GQ Magazine, explained why he did it.

"It's a nice dash of glitz, a touch of showbiz that goes well with the Hollywood sign in the hazy distance. But sexy as it might seem, Bryant says the helicopter is just another tool for maintaining his body. It's no different than his weights or his whirlpool tubs or his custom-made Nikes," GQ wrote.

"Given his broken finger, his fragile knees, his sore back and achy feet, not to mention his chronic agita, Bryant can't sit in a car for two hours. The helicopter, therefore, ensures that he gets to Staples Center feeling fresh, that his body is warm and loose as mercury when he steps onto the court.

"If you make $23 million a year with your body, taking a helicopter to work is actually quite practical."