The Los Angeles Lakers are now preparing to face the New Orleans Hornets this weekend in the first round of the playoffs.  For Kobe Bryant, though, the last few days have meant dealing with more than just preparing for the game. After Bryant’s utterance of a gay slur during a game that was caught on video.

According to ESPN, Bryant said that he was more than sorry, recalling memories from his days in school. He called it a mistake and said, “I don’t want kids to think that’s it OK or cool to call kids that or tease them because of that. I don’t stand for that. I never have. I’ve been in so many altercations in middle school and in high school protecting kids from that. I certainly won’t be a part of enhancing that and the feeling that it’s OK. I just won’t.”

Bryant seems truly remorseful for the slur, and he was fined for it by the NBA. Bryant can now move forward and concentrate on facing the Hornets. Bryant and the rest of his team have gone through many ups and downs in the past few weeks. Be there to cheer them on by reserving Los Angeles Lakers tickets from StubHub.