This is something I never thought I’d be writing, nor would I ever wish to cover, but Kobe Bryant died this morning in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California. Also on board was Kobe’s daughter Gianna, Orange Coast College head baseball coach John Altobelli, his wife Keri, daughter Alyssa, and others. This is news that has rocked the NBA and sports world as a whole. I truly believe this is the most significant and devastating death the sports world has ever suffered. Personally, I have never been this upset over the death of someone I didn’t know, but it really feels like a family member died.
Growing up in Los Angeles, and being alive for Kobe’s entire career in the NBA, I was blessed to be able to witness him come to embody the city. In a time where so many players are often traded or sign as free agents with other teams, it made it all the more special that Kobe spent the entirety of his career with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Things really weren’t supposed to happen this way. I was convinced Kobe was invincible. He deserved to live to see his daughters grow up. If not busy with some other business venture, we all thought he would come to own or at least be the GM of an NBA franchise one day…that was the future we all saw for the Black Mamba. Kobe was so much more than an athlete; he was the first athlete to ever be nominated for and win an Academy Award for his animated short, Dear Basketball. He was also a fantastic father that clearly (reference video below) would do anything for his wife and children. (I’m now quoting my Instagram caption) His impact on the game of basketball and sports as a whole are unparalleled. He left behind a legacy that has inspired an entire generation of athletes (and city) to strive to be better both on and off the court/field. Seeing the love that has been expressed for him online truly shows how much he will be missed:
There’s no words to express the pain Im going through with this tragedy of loosing my neice Gigi & my brother @kobebryant I love u and u will be missed. My condolences goes out to the Bryant family and the families of the other passengers on board. IM SICK RIGHT NOW pic.twitter.com/pigHywq3c1
— SHAQ (@SHAQ) January 26, 2020
This Doc Rivers press conference is heartbreaking #RIPKobe pic.twitter.com/MdNr5KQyhG
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) January 26, 2020
“Tonight is for Kobe”- Lizzo
Lizzo giving an emotional performance of ‘Cuz I Love You’ in honor of Kobe #GRAMMYs
pic.twitter.com/kf6V6Gebg5— Chicks in the Office (@ChicksInTheOff) January 27, 2020
Jay Williams well said… 💔
— Ball Realm (@TheBallRealm) January 26, 2020
Neymar just dedicated his 2nd goal of the night to Kobe. Class touch. pic.twitter.com/KVJ2mb9y2u
— Elliot Hackney (@ElliotHackney) January 26, 2020
Literally this morning you reached out to me ….😔 I love you forever unc❤️ I love you pic.twitter.com/3oVgvKKUkm
— Shareef O’Neal (@SSJreef) January 26, 2020
Trae Young embraces with his Mom and wipes away tears after pre-game warmups. #Hawks #TrueToAtlanta #11Alive @11AliveSports pic.twitter.com/6tXToNrpda
— Maria Martin (@Ria_Martin) January 26, 2020
There was a 24 second moment of silence in honor of Kobe Bryant before the Celtics-Pelicans game tonight #RIPKobe (via ig:Chaser_Atkinson) pic.twitter.com/juJwk6JyOd
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) January 27, 2020
Raptors and Spurs honor Kobe by running down the 24-second shot clock 🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/LXtjGWYlMQ
— LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo) January 26, 2020
“For those Kobe fans that are out there, that are feeling like I feel right now, just try and think of all the joy that he brought you.”
Brian Shaw reacts to the reported passing of Kobe Bryant. pic.twitter.com/WjAwmIHQle
— NBA TV (@NBATV) January 26, 2020
Let’s also take a look back at some of the best “Kobe” moments:
My favorite Interview from Kobe Bryant.
Forever MAMBA MENTALITY. 24. 💔
— Lake Show (@LakeShowFamily) January 26, 2020
This video of Kobe right before he retired
Just chills man pic.twitter.com/vabCifIoMC
— Tyler Conway (@jtylerconway) January 26, 2020
Watching Kobe Bryant on ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live’ gushing about his daughter, Gianna, crushes me even more
Gotta get off Twitter for awhile … Going to play basketball with my daughters #RIPMAMBA pic.twitter.com/gA3PzTJsJy
— T̷R̷O̷Y̷ ̷H̷U̷G̷H̷E̷S̷ (@TommySledge) January 26, 2020
A moment from NBC's coverage of the 2008 Olympics that I will always remember. Kobe Bryant telling Cris Collinsworth about the first time he received his USA uniform. pic.twitter.com/0gNctphYcI
— Nick Zaccardi (@nzaccardi) January 26, 2020
Long list of favorite moments, but Kobe walking out & sinking 2 free throws after tearing his Achilles will always be my favorite moment.
Mamba mentality. Mamba forever 🖤pic.twitter.com/chuzAaAIl0
— Legendary Lakers (@goldlakerss) January 27, 2020
My prayers are with the Bryant family, the Altobelli family, and those others on board. May your families find peace in this tough time, and in the words of Kobe Bryant:
Kobe Bryant, 2008: "Have a good time. Life is too short to get bogged down and be discouraged.
"You have to keep moving. You have to keep going. Put one foot in front of the other, smile and just keep on rolling. pic.twitter.com/gy7iQnewAJ
— Kevin Boilard (@247KevinBoilard) January 26, 2020
I realize I posted way too much Kobe stuff but his life is worthy of ALL the recognition. Mamba out.
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