Kobe Bryant’s Lasting Legacy

On January 26th, 2020, NBA legend Kobe Bryant, along with his 13-year-old daughter Gianna unfortunately passed away in a helicopter crash. Seven others also passed away: Gianna’s basketball teammates, their parents, coaches and pilot, Ara Zobayan. Kobe Bryant’s passing left the world in shock, primarily due to his heavy influence on basketball and society as a whole. Bryant certainly left a lasting legacy to the world, one which will be remembered for generations to come. Kobe Bryant entered the NBA soon after high school, to then lead a successful 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers, led by Kobe Bryant, won five NBA championships, and Kobe was a two-time NBA finals MVP. On top of that, Kobe was the 2008 NBA most valuable player, and a two-time scoring champion in 2006 and 2007. Although his remarkable statistics classify him as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, Kobe did not let his statistics define who he was. Bryant had multiple interests besides basketball. He enjoyed watching soccer (“football” in Europe) and was a fan of FC Barcelona. Kobe was also friends with Barcelona legend Lionel Messi. Kobe also founded the Mamba Sports Academy, where many young athletes developed their skills using Kobe’s winner mindset. After retirement from the NBA, Kobe Bryant focused on being a good father to his children, raising them to be successful young women. Kobe also wrote several children's books, as well as a short film. Kobe’s drive toward versatility emphasizes that he was much more than just a basketball player. That same short film, “Dear Basketball” went on to win an Academy Award in 2018, breaking boundaries. In the film, Kobe told of his early roots which developed his love for basketball. He explained his mentality, as well as his mindset which pushed him to strive for more. Kobe’s message and drive inspired many current NBA players, like Lebron James. As for Kobe’s daughter Gianna, she was an avid basketball player, expected to join the WNBA when she got older. Gianna, along with her teammates Alyssa Altobelli and Payton Chester, played on the Mamba Basketball team together, with hopes of making it big one day. Kobe Bryant’s inspiring legacy will leave an imprint on all future generations of basketball players, filmmakers, athletes, authors and philanthropists. Kobe emphasized when you stick to your dream with hard work and dedication, you can achieve anything, which is the Mamba Mentality, In the words of Kobe, “Mamba out.” R.I.P Kobe Bryant 1978-2020. R.I.P Gianna Bryant, Alyssa Altobelli, John Altobelli, Keri Altobelli, Payton Chester, Sarah Chester, Christina Mauser and Ara Zobayan.