Kobe Bryant is, in my opinion, one of the best NBA players that has ever played the game.From becoming the youngest player in NBA history, to playing in an all-star game, to winning his third NBA title in 2002, to passing legend Michael Jordan on the all-time leading scores list in 2014, Bryant is known as having the “Mamba mentality.” Through hard times and good times, Bryant always had the mentality that what he was doing was never enough. This mentality prevailed when he tore his Achilles tendon in the middle of the game against the Golden State Warriors, yet still knocked down two free throws.While having all the lights on him, he also went through hard times involving a sexual allegation. In July of 2003, Bryant was arrested in Colorado for an alleged sexual assault complaint by a 19-year old hotel employee. Bryant decided to retire at the age of 37, after 20 years spent with the Los Angles Lakers. He is one of few to stay with the same team throughout his entire career. Along with playing, Bryant also set up a foundation in 2007 to provide life-changing experiences for young people. On Jan 26, 2020, a weather-related incident took the lives of nine innocent people. Among those killed were this NBA legend and his daughter, Gianna Bryant.
At 41 years old, Bryant leaves behind a wife and three kids. Bryant was flying to the Mamba Sports Academy in Thousand Oaks, California. The flight, flown by Ara Zobayan, left from Orange County, California, and crashed around 10 a.m. local time in Calabasas. The cause of the crash is still under investigation but is believed to have been dense fog impairing Zobayan’s vision. The NBA community took immediate action following the death of the legend. Teams took 24- and eight-second violations in Bryant’s honor. His dear friend Lebron James made a speech about the legacy that Bryant has left behind. James was very close to Bryant and his family. The night before the crash, Bryant was at the game where James passed him on the all-time leading scorers list. The two athletes were pictured shaking hands and hugging afterwards. The loss of Bryant struck athletes all over the league. Devin Booker, of the Phoenix Suns, was captured tearing up in a game when paying respect to Bryant. All around the league, teams sent out condolences to Bryant’s family, remembering such a hard-working athlete. Bryant is a role model for so many and will be remembered forever.