His legacy still lives!
On this day (Jan. 26), two years ago the world was collectively shocked as Kobe Bryant along with his 13-year-old daughter Gianna “Gigi” Bryant and 7 other passengers were flying to a basketball game when they all tragically passed away due to the helicopter crashing.
Kobe Bryant is arguably one of the greatest NBA players off all time. Winning 5 NBA championships, Kobe made 18 All-Star teams during his 20 career with the Lakers. Amongst being a phenomenal basketball player, he was a beloved father, a husband, son, and friend to many. He was 41 years old.
“Man, it’s a saying that time heals all,” LeBron James told reporters. “And as devastating and as tragic as it was and still is to all of us involved with it, only time. And it takes time. Everyone has their own grieving process.”
Join us as we look back at 8 times Kobe impacted the culture.
More than 400 Kobe Bryant and Gigi murals are placed all over the world, in over 30 countries. Kobe left an impacted on many peoples lives.
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Jan 22nd, 2006 Kobe Bryant scored 81-points in a game against the Raptors. This game was the second-highest single-game output in NBA history.
On October 23rd, 2018, Kobe released his book “The Mamba Mentality: How I Play.” The book is “Kobe Bryant’s personal perspective of his life and career on the basketball court and his exceptional, insightful style of playing the game—a fitting legacy from the late Los Angeles Laker superstar.”
Aside from his five championships, two Olympic gold medals and 18 All-Star titles to his name, Kobe also embarked on a career in music. Bryant signed a deal with Sony Records in 1999 to release his own studio album which was never released. His first single, K.O.B.E. featured supermodel Tyra Banks.
Add storyteller to the list of talents. The basketball star won an Oscar in 2018 for his autobiographical debut short film, “Dear Basketball.”
Kobe Bryant was named captain of the U.S. men’s basketball team for the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, China. “The Redeem Team.” Kobe scored 20 points to help the U.S. capture the gold medal by defeating Spain, 118-107.
2006/2007 back to back scoring titles. “Kobe Bryant averaged 35.4 points per game during the 2005-2006 season, the highest single-season average since Michael Jordan’s 37.1 in 1986-1987, and eighth highest in NBA history.”
Fatherhood. With his beloved wife, Vanessa Bryant, Kobe has four daughters, Gianna, Natalia, Bianka and Capri.
Mamba out. Rest In Peace, Kobe Bryant.