It was a little before 2:00 p.m. on Sunday when I heard the news.
I dropped the car key that was in my hand on the floor. My jaw dropped and I froze, feeling my soul leave my body.
A few minutes passed and I walked to my car, shaking, tears rolling down my face.
Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers legend and one of the most historic NBA players, passed away in a helicopter accident in California. It was later reported that Bryant’s 13 year-old daughter Gianna (GiGi) and seven others also passed in the accident.
It’s hard to find words to describe the emotions that the past 30 hours have contained. The news still doesn’t feel real.
When you think of greatness, you think of Kobe. When you think of legends, you think of Kobe. When you think of heart and dedication, you think of Kobe.
When you think of basketball, you think of Kobe.
I was a young kid when I fell in love with the game of basketball. There were a few players that I looked up to and wanted to be like, one of those being Kobe Bryant. I watched his style of play and fell in love with it. His lethal mid-range jumpshot, his ability to put away a team from any spot on the court, his drive to be the best he can be.
Everything about his game was a work of art. It was beautiful.
The passion that Kobe had for basketball rubbed off on me. Kobe is the reason that myself and millions of others are in love with the game, and for that, I cannot say thank you enough.
However, Kobe was more than just an athlete. He was a role model off the floor too.
Kobe has granted over 200 wishes through Make-A-Wish. He was a global ambassador for women in the game of basketball, encouraging women and making them believe that they could do anything. It could be said that his post-playing career could have matched or even surpassed his legacy as a player.
You don’t have to look far to see the impact that Kobe had on the world. Celebrities worldwide took to twitter and social media to express their gratitude towards the Lakers all-star, including videos of many players who were close with Kobe crying in disbelief.
Turn your attention to the court and you will see rivals embracing and consoling each other. You will see teams taking 8-second and 24-second violations to pay respect, as those were the two numbers Kobe wore in his career. You’ll see tears, you’ll feel heartbreak, but you’ll see a community.
A community tied together today by one of the greatest players to ever be involved in the sport.
There are several moments in Kobe’s career that stand out. As I write this, his final career game is on my television. I’m in awe right now like this is the first time I’m seeing this game. He played like he was in his prime. Kobe did what he did best that night, and the world got to see his Mamba Mentality in full effect on the court one final time.
I remember February 22nd, 2016 like it was yesterday. Kobe was in his farewell tour, and I sat in the BMO Harris Bradley Center with my cousin as we watched his final performance in Milwaukee. The arena erupted in “Thank you Kobe” chants in the final minutes.
Those three words ring true still today.
Thank you Kobe.
I never knew Kobe, but he changed my life. For that, thank you.
Thank you Kobe for everything. Thank you for your dedication. Thank you for pushing your body to unspeakable limits. Thank you for being fearless. Thank you for the 1997 Slam Dunk contest. Thank you for an MVP. Thank you for 18 All-Star game appearances. Thank you for countless buzzer-beaters. Thank you for five championships. Thank you for 33,643 points. Thank you for 81 against the Raptors. Thank you for two free-throws on a torn achilles. Thank you for 60 in your final game. Thank you for twenty incredible seasons.
Lastly, thank you for being you.
Nobody will ever compare to you.
You will never be forgotten.
May you and GiGi rest in peace.