Kobe Bryant’s legacy lives on
Zion Dendy, Staff Writer
Photo courtesy of Unsplash.com.
On Sunday, January 26th, 2019 the world of sports was brought to a halt when one of the world’s most iconic athletes of all-time was tragically killed. Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna were victims of a helicopter crash that resulted in no survivors. Seven others were also killed during the crash.
The crash happened just a day after Bryant attended the Lakers/Sixers game in Philadelphia. NBA star Lebron James had just passed Bryant on the NBA’s all-time scoring list during the game. In response to this, Bryant tweeted out:
“Continuing to move the game forward @KingJames. Much Respect my brother”.
Bryant was well known for being a supportive and influential figure during his time in the NBA. Many athletes took to social media as soon as news of the crash was confirmed. One of those athletes was Bryant’s storied teammate, Shaquille O’Neal. “Shaq” had this to say of Bryant:
“There’s no words to express the pain I’m going through with this tragedy of losing my niece Gigi and my brother Kobe Bryant, I love you and you will be missed. My condolences go out to the Bryant family and the families of the other passengers on board. IM SICK RIGHT NOW.”
Bryant’s longtime rival Allen Iverson also released a statement saying, “Words cannot express how I’m feeling today. The only two words that ring in my head- devastated and heartbroken. I cannot seem to shake this feeling no matter what I’ve tried to do since hearing this.”
NBA players, who were informed of the news shortly before their Sunday afternoon games, chose to honor Bryant by taking 24-second shot clock violations in honor of his jersey number. Each team followed suite throughout the rest of the evening, bringing some players to tears.
“Words cant explain it…” DeMar DeRozan of the San Antonio Spurs said, “Learning everything that I’ve learned, basketball-wise from Kobe, what he meant to the game, the inspiration that he brought tot the world, I can’t imagine something like that happening.”
Los Angeles Lakers and Kobe Bryant fans alike took to the streets outside of Staples center where a vigil for the NBA Superstar was held. Throughout the entire evening, fans gathered and mourned the death of Bryant while also reminiscing on the life he once lived. Staples Center tweeted out- “Forever 8 & 24” in remembrance of Bryant and welcomed fans to the vigil anytime following the Grammys.
Bryant and his daughter were reportedly on their way to the academy where he coached his daughters’ team but never arrived. The academy was hosting the Mamba Cup Tournament Series that day and awaited Kobe’s arrival. When news of the crash went public, almost everyone in the gym was in total disbelief.
“The way he attacked everything, not just basketball, it influenced me like crazy,” said Aaron Watson, junior at NGU. “He was truly a different breed in terms of mindset and work ethic.”
Kobe leaves behind three daughters and his wife Vanessa Laine Bryant. He was known as a loving father on and off the court. Kobe stands at fourth in the NBA’s all time scoring list with 33,643 points and is expected to headline the NBA’s 2020 Hall of Fame inductee list.
