Orignal Post via: Los Angeles Sports Nation
Devastated, empty, incredulous.
Those are some of the words that describe – up to a certain point – how the news of the death of Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna, and the rest of the passengers in a tragic helicopter accident made me and many others feel.
There are no words that do justice to the situation. There are no words that describe everything Kobe meant, not only for the world of sports but for life in general. His 5 championships, 18 All-Stars, 2 gold medals, 2 retired numbers, and MVP still fall short to represent all the greatness that Kobe represented on and off the court.
Kobe was a beloved father, husband, and friend. And for many young people, who grew up idolizing him, he was their childhood hero.
How different our lives would be without Kobe Bryant?
The amount of people Bryant has touched is uncountable, and everything that he represents for them is indescribable. That’s why instead of trying to translate into words how everyone is feeling right now, it’s simply better to thank and celebrate his life.
Thank you, Kobe, for inspiring an entire generation in many different ways.
They are many current NBA players who started to play basketball because of you. They are many people who fell in love and started watching the game because of you. The “Mamba Mentality” inspired so many people to be a better version of themselves every day. Even now, people would say “Kobe” when throwing a paper into a trash can. That’s called legacy.
Thank you, Kobe, for all those unforgettable moments that will live in people’s memories forever.
Moments like the alley-oop “Bryant to Shaq!” in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals in the year 2000. Or the 81 point masterpiece against the Raptors at Staples Center. Even in the last game of your career, you left us with an unbelievable moment, a 60 point performance that included the game-winner. I’m sure that everyone will remember these with a smile on their face.
Thank you, Kobe, for leaving everything out there.
For being as passionate and dedicated as you were. For being such a caring person. For representing the Lakers, Los Angeles, and NBA basketball like only you could. As I said before, no words will ever do justice for what happened and how I feel; but with these words, I’ll make sure to celebrate and thank Kobe for everything he did.
To all the Laker, Kobe or basketball fans out there, let’s make sure that Kobe’s legacy will live forever because heroes come and go, but legends are forever.
Featured Image: Newsweek
