We understand that basketball players aren't like us regular humans. They're all giants, with oversized bodies. They can't just walk into an average store and buy a suit off the rails; chances are they need to find a specialist venue, or have something specifically tailored for them. Kobe Bryant probably struggled to find an outstanding outfit to go to prom in; especially during his pre-fame years when he couldn't just pay one of the world's greatest tailors to solve the problem for him.
Considering all of the above, he's done just fine here. If you're in doubt, always go for the classic look, and you'll be in no danger of embarrassing yourself. He's also sending the world an early statement about how cool he is by passing on a tie. Ties sometimes feel like the most unnecessary garment of them all, and if you can play it off like Bryant, then why should you bother with one?