Today marks the one-year remembrance of the late Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna Bryant.
On the morning of Jan. 26, 2020, the world was left in complete shock. News broke out that basketball icon and legend, Kobe Bryant passed away alongside his daughter, Gianna Bryant, and seven other passengers in a horrific helicopter accident. It felt as if the life and soul of the sports world completely disappeared. People worldwide mourned the loss of Kobe Bryant, leaving them in tears. Athletes came together to continue to carry on the legacy that Kobe Bryant had left behind.
A year later, Bryant's legacy continues to inspire hundreds of thousands of individuals across the world. His impact was more than just the game of basketball. He taught people how to be passionate. So passionate that they are practically married with what they do. He brought the idea of the "Mamba mentality" not only to basketball but to life. The willingness to outwork peers to be the best version that you can be. The drive to want to master your craft. The ability to fight through adversity and come out with more success than ever before. That is the "Mamba mentality".
Kobe Bryant was an inspiration off the court but was widely known for what he did on the court. Bryant was the definition of loyalty. He was drafted by the Charlotte Hornets in 1996, then traded immediately to the Los Angeles Lakers, where he spent his whole 20-year career. Bryant went on to have one of the greatest basketball resumes in history: five NBA championships, two-time finals most valuable player, one league most valuable player award, 18 time NBA all-star, 15 time All-NBA selection, and accumulated 33,643 career points. He created thousands of memories and moments for NBA fans and players to look back on and cherish. Bryant spent his whole life trying to perfect his craft and undoubtfully did. He retired as one of the greatest players to ever play the game of basketball.
Though Bryant wasn't playing the game of basketball anymore, he was still involved with the sport. He opened up a basketball academy where he spent time mentoring and coaching the next generation of players. Bryant, who was a father of four girls, is considered to be the ultimate "girl dad" by many. Gianna Bryant, who was with Kobe in the helicopter, had a promising basketball career ahead of her. Bryant was committed to doing everything he can to have his daughter reach her goals and aspirations, so much so that he became an earnest promoter of women's sports. He also took it upon himself to have leagues such as the WNBA receive more attention and publicity.
Retirement was only the end of Kobe Bryant's basketball career. His second career was just on the rise. Bryant wanted to start mastering the art of film making and production. Shortly after retiring from the NBA, Bryant released his first short film in 2017 titled "Dear Basketball".
"Dear Basketball" was Kobe's final farewell to his basketball career. He reflected on everything that brought him to that very moment of retirement, including all the highs and lows throughout his journey. In 2018, "Dear Basketball" won an Oscar for the best animated short film. With an Oscar award so early in his film making resume, a promising career was in sight for Bryant.
Throughout the entirety of Kobe Bryant's life, he has done nothing but be a role model and inspiration for millions of people worldwide. It hurts to know that someone that we grew up watching and idolizing, like Kobe, passed away unpredictably so early in his life. However, today is a day of remembrance of not only the life but also the memories of the great Kobe Bryant. Let us all continue to carry on the "Mamba mentality" and the rest of Bryant's legacy, as he has done so much for millions throughout his life.
Mamba Forever!
Contact Eric Hayrapetian at Eric.hayrapetian@gmail.com
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