Kobe Bryant’s sudden death on January 26th 2020 caught the whole world by surprise. Kobe was one of the most influential basketball players in the history of the NBA. One of the greatest to ever touch a basketball. Kobe impacted so many people, especially aspiring basketball players who looked up to him as a role model. Kobe Bryant was one of my favourite basketball players of all time. Kobe was one of the reasons I got into basketball. The very first NBA game I ever watched was Kobe Bryant’s magical final NBA game on April 13th 2016 against the Utah Jazz. My prayers go out to everyone who was greatly effected by Kobe Bryant’s tragic passing at the age of 41. Today I am going to be honouring Kobe Bryant and appreciate his greatness and honour the man who impacted so many.
Kobe Bryant entered the league as an 18 year old and won the dunk contest in his rookie season at only 18 years of age. As a rookie, Kobe only played 15.5 minutes a game but showed flashes of explosiveness and greatness. In his second season he became the youngest all star in NBA history. Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O Neal formed one of the greatest NBA duos of all time and went on to win 3 consequiteve championships.
After the duo of Shaq and Kobe split up, Kobe wanted to prove that he didn’t need Shaq to win. On Janury 22nd 2006, Kobe Bryant scored 81 points against the Toronto Raptors, the second most points in an NBA game in NBA history. The following season, he led the NBA in scoring. In 2008 Kobe Bryant was named the NBA Most Valuable Player and led his team to the NBA Finals where they eventually lost to the Boston Celtics. The next two seasons, Kobe Bryant and the Lakers won back to back championships. Bryant also won a gold medal for team U.S.A in the 2008 and 2012 Olympics.
During the 2015-2016 NBA season, Kobe Bryant announced it would be his last season before choosing to retire from the NBA. On April 13th 2016, Kobe Bryant scored 60 points in a win over the Utah Jazz, making it one of the most iconic moments in NBA history. In 2017, the Lakers retired both of Kobe Bryant’s numbers he wore throughout his career with the Lakers (8 and 24). This made him the first player in NBA history to have two different jerseys retired by the same team.
Kobe Bryant has one of the best resumes in NBA history. He was a 5 time NBA champion and a two time finals MVP. Kobe Bryant had 18 all star appearances and was a 12 time all defensive player. He’s an NBA MVP and some argue he could have won more in his mid 2000’s run. He lead the NBA in scoring twice and made an all NBA team 15 times. Kobe also currently places 4th on the all time points list, 16th all time in steals, 3rd all time in field goals attempted and known as one of the greatest players to ever play in the NBA
Kobe Bryant will be known as one of the greatest scorers of all time, one of the greatest perimeter defenders of all time, one of the most entertaining players to watch, a player with one of the greatest work ethics, one of the most loyal players ever in NBA history and overall one of the greatest basketball players of all time. Kobe also had one of the greatest basketball minds the NBA has ever seen. There’s so much more Kobe accomplished not just in his NBA career, but in his life. I have barely scratched the surface of what the Black Mamba accomplished on and off the court.
Kobe’s legacy and impact on the game was greater then stats and accomplishments. There is so much positives to say about Kobe Bryant, not just as a basketball player, but as a person. Kobe Bryant’s time in the NBA should not go unnoticed. I pay my respects to Kobe Bryant and his impact. Prayers go up to his family and everyone grieving over his passing. Use this time to remember Kobe Bryant and celebrate him and what he accomplished in his life. Kobe Bryant you will be missed.
Mamba Out
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