A five-time NBA champ. Two-time Olympic gold medalist. A husband. A father to four girls. An Oscar winner. A role model to many. It seems like there wasn’t one thing that was impossible for Kobe Bryant. He was a real-life superhero.
Kobe began his NBA career in 1996 when he was drafted as a 17-year-old straight from high school. It was then that he began his two-decade-long journey with the Los Angeles Lakers and created a legacy that will go on to live forever.
During his time with the Lakers, he played alongside teammates such as Shaquille O’Neal, Pau Gasol, Robert Horry and Derek Fisher. However, that did not stop players from opposing teams and different sports from looking up to and admiring Kobe’s perseverance, work ethic and way of thinking: the Mamba Mentality.
The Mamba Mentality’s impact went far beyond the world of basketball. It transcended beyond boundaries, and athletes from all around the world drew inspiration from the basketball icon’s motto.
During his time playing professional basketball, the 18-time All-Star went on to win five NBA titles, two Finals MVP awards, one regular season MVP (2007-08) and two Olympic gold medals (2008, 2012).
Kobe retired from the NBA in 2016 and changed his occupation from full-time basketball player to full-time dad. Despite all his championship titles, being a father is what Kobe considered his greatest win of all time.
Above all, he was a family man.
One of the earliest memories I have with my dad is of me sitting on his lap in front of a TV in a little blue room while the Lakers played and Kobe ran up and down the court wearing No. 8, shooting basket after basket. I must have been 3 or 4 years old at the time.
Even in my baseball-loving household, Kobe Bryant was always held in high regard.
I’ve always believed there was something so captivating about the way he played, spoke to reporters, teammates and coaches, and how he interacted with the public. His presence both on and off the court was magical and I knew I wasn’t the only one who felt the same way.
Which is why it felt as though the world stopped Sunday, Jan. 26, 2020, when the news broke that Kobe, his daughter, Gianna, and seven other passengers died in a helicopter accident in California. The tragic event sent shock waves across the globe and everyone felt it.
My heart sank, my father’s face stared blankly at the news on the television and my brother shouted in disbelief, “Kobe? THE Kobe? Not Kobe!”
The three of us stood still, refusing to believe the breaking news unfolding right before our eyes, hoping it was just one big mistake.
Immediately, the world took to Twitter and other social media platforms to honor the basketball legend. Fans shared photos of Kobe and his daughter, his many accomplishments and personal stories on how he had changed their lives, along with thousands of other people. Many agreed they had never thought of the icon as being mortal.
Last Sunday, athletes and fans paid tribute to the great basketball player in many different ways. NBA teams took 24-second and 8-second violations, Brazilian soccer player Neymar held up the No. 24 after scoring a goal, tennis player Nick Kygrios warmed up with Kobe’s jersey, to name a few.
The Staples Center, also known as the house that Kobe built, shined a spotlight on his two jerseys throughout the entirety of the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards. Musicians, including The Jonas Brothers and Lizzo, honored Kobe by wearing purple and yellow and dedicated their performances to him.
Other celebrities, including Jimmy Fallon and Ellen Degeneres, recalled their experiences with him on their talk shows as their voice cracked and tears ran down their faces.
“So, let’s honor Kobe, Gianna and the other lives that were lost [Jan. 26] by following his example: Love your family, love your teammates and outwork everyone else in the gym,” Fallon said in a monologue during the Jan. 27 episode of “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.”
Famous landmarks, such as the Empire State Building, lit up with the Lakers’ colors, while fans across the world held vigils in honor of Mr. Bryant, his daughter and the seven other victims.
Today, many continue to mourn the loss of Kobe Bryant, Gianna “Gigi” Bryant, John Altobelli, Keri Altobelli, Alyssa Altobelli, Christina Mauser, Ara Zobayan, Sarah Chester and Peyton Chester.
My heart is with the families who lost their loved ones in this horrific accident. May they be able to heal during this time of grief.
Kobe Bryant’s time on Earth was cut short by tragedy, but his legacy will live on for generations to come.
May he, his daughter and the seven other lives lost rest in peace.
Mamba forever and always.
