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Former NBA superstar, Kobe Bryant along with his daughter Gianna Bryant, tragically passed away during a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California, Sunday morning. Kobe Bryant was one of the greatest talents the world has ever seen when it came to the game of basketball. He was one of the most essential pioneers of the NBA in the 2000s, who spent his whole career and spent almost half his life in a Los Angeles Lakers uniform.
From the age of 17 years old, the world got a glimpse of greatness as Kobe Bryant was drafted in the NBA by the Charlotte Hornets in the 1996 NBA draft, but soon traded to the Lakers. Bryant would become teammates with fellow young up and comer Shaquille O’Neal to form one of the greatest tandems in the history of the NBA. The spotlight was on Bryant very early, with high expectations, having to mature quicker, adapt to the rigged professional basketball schedule, and having to constantly deal with fans due to everybody knowing who he was. A lot of adjustments had to be made for the future Hall of Famer.
Kobe Bryant’s style mirrored that of another NBA star Michael Jordan. Though Bryant has admitted in following the footsteps to eclipse Jordan, Bryant was in search of being his own man. Bryant became a cornerstone to the historic Los Angeles franchise achieving accomplishments such as multiple Finals appearances, victories and MVPs, all-star game appearances, Olympic gold medalist, all NBA-First team, etc.
So much can be revered by the personality of Kobe Bryant. Bryant’s competitive nature and endless work ethic is of legend. The way he carried himself on and off the court has given his peers, family, friends, and fans incredible motivation to become a better version of themselves. His “Mamba Mentality” has become a way of life for those who looked up to Bryant as he created the “Black Mamba” persona to tap into a different focus in midst of personal tribulations at the time. His determination and fearlessness has been respected by all who come across him teammate or opponent.
The impact the career Kobe Bryant had left an incredible mark on the current generation of fans and current basketball players. Wether it be #8 “Fro-Be” or #24 Black Mamba, everybody wanted to be that cold-blooded, highlight reel playmaker Kobe was in his career. People strive to be the strong willed, hard working, highly respected person Kobe was. Those who knew who he was idolized what he stood for.
Bryant demanded nothing short of excellence from himself and those around him. His drive and passion for anything that he did was unmatched and is well respected. The game of basketball has changed since he decided to walk away from it, but the world will now change after the loss of one of the greatest every grace the court, a world champion, and a global icon. We celebrate somebody’s whose life brought us joy, entertainment, and inspiration.
Rest In Peace, Kobe Bean Bryant.