On January 26, 2020, we lost a legend. A legend not just in basketball, but also notorious for his will to give back to people in need. This icon goes by the name of Kobe Bean Bryant. As a kid, Kobe loved basketball and was very passionate about the sport. This passion would carry over to high school when in his senior year he became his high school's all-time leading scorer. This big achievement caught NBA scout’s attention, and Kobe Bryant was drafted into the NBA without playing college basketball. In 1996, he was drafted by the Charlotte Hornets as the thirteenth pick in the draft but was immediately traded to the Lakers for bona fide center Vlade Divac. It was on this Lakers team that Kobe Bryant won 1 MVP, Two finals MVP's, 17 All-Star selections, 15 All NBA selections, 5 championships, and in addition, was a two-time NBA scoring champion. As if that wasn’t enough, he put up career averages of 25.2 ppg, 5.3 RPG, and 4.8 APG. He didn’t get these accolades from slacking off, but from being known as the hardest working player in the history of basketball. Stories of his dedication include coming to NBA practices 8 hours before they start, playing an NBA game left-handed because his right shoulder was injured, and coming back from an Achilles injury in 8 months when it normally takes 1 year. In addition, he would play his fellow NBA teammates 1 on 1 to 100 to practice new moves on them, and to make sure he is the best player on the court at all times. Since these accolades were very exceptional and above standards, Kobe retired as arguably the second-best shooting guard, (behind Michael Jordan), to ever lace up a pair of basketball sneakers. After retiring in 2016, Kobe continued to reach heights beyond measure by starting a 100 million dollar venture capital fund after retiring from the Lakers and winning an Oscar for best short animated film called “Dear Basketball” in 2018. In 2019, Kobe still gave to charity and donated money to people in need, but he fell back and gave all his undivided attention to his daughter Gianna Bryant, who aspired to be a WNBA star. He coached her, and she became a star in the public eye as well, for he wanted her to carry on his legacy as the best player in the world. Unfortunately, Gianna’s yearning to become a great WNBA star was cut short on the Sunday of January 26, 2020 while on a helicopter. Gianna Bryant, and her dad Kobe Bryant, were heading to a basketball game to take part in the Mamba Sports Academy in Thousand Oaks, California when the helicopter they were in crashed in Calabasas, California, west of Los Angeles. It was here where paramedics were called on the scene, and Kobe Bryant alongside Gianna Bryant were pronounced dead along with all the passengers that were on board.
Media reports of the tragic news went up in a flare, and tears were shed around the world. Many NBA players showed their condolences in NBA games by undergoing 8-second clock violations, and 24 second moments of silence, in honor of the two numbers that Kobe Bryant placed on his jersey throughout his career, 8 and 24. Many of Kobe’s closest friends shed tears on news interviews, like Tracy Mcgrady and Shaq. Shaq stated on January 28 in an interview, “I’m not doing well; I am sick.” This reflects the mental state of Shaq and many others that have suffered as a result of this tragic loss. Kobe’s wife Vanessa Bryant made an emotional Instagram post that sums up her feeling of losing two family members in one day,” There aren’t enough words to describe our pain right now. I’m not sure what our lives hold beyond today, and it is impossible to imagine life without them.” This shows the sadness and sorrow that the family members of Kobe are facing as a result of such an unexpected death. As a result of Kobe’s death NBA commissioners are thinking about naming the LA Lakers stadium after Kobe, and putting Kobe’s face as the NBA logo, as well as retiring Kobe’s numbers throughout the entire NBA which will forbid any NBA player to sport the numbers 8 and 24 on the back of their jersey.
Even though some moments throughout Kobe’s life were tough and hard, he overcame them to become one of the best NBA basketball players, a great father, and a great husband. People all over the country are reflecting on this man’s death, and realizing how great of a person he was on and off the court. Kobe will go down in history this year by getting inducted into the 1st ballot Hall of Fame, and he will be honored for his work ethic, team spirit, and overall passion for the game. Rest In Peace Kobe Bean Bryant. If you are interested in donating to the 9 people who passed away in the helicopter crash please donate to the Mamba Foundation and show your love and support for the loss of these wonderful people.
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