by Jonathan Maduike // Technology Editor
The sports world had just rejoiced over Lakers star Lebron James eclipsing Kobe Bryant for third place on the NBA’s All-Time scoring list on January 25, 2020. “Mamba 4 Life” was transcribed on Lebron’s sneakers, commemorating the career of Kobe as he took the court that night. However, not even twenty hours later, those words carried a different meaning. Kobe Bryant was pronounced dead at the age of 41.
En route to the his Mamba Sports Academy for a youth basketball tournament, Kobe Bryant along with seven other victims including his 13 year old daughter Gianna, were killed in a helicopter crash on a hillside in Calabasas, California at approximately 9:45 am on January 26, 2020. The other victims were identified as John Altobelli, a baseball coach at Orange Coast College, his wife Keri, their daughter Alyssa, mother and daughter Sarah and Payton Chester, Christina Mauser, a Huntington Beach assistant basketball coach, and pilot Ara Zobayan. Alyssa and Payton were both teammates alongside Gianna on the Lady Mamba basketball team, coached by Kobe. While the cause of the crash remains unclear, poor visibility due to the foggy weather conditions that Sunday morning is seen as a likely contributing factor.
As news of the tragedy became public, fans immediately began to show respect to the late great basketball savant. Live music, letters, flowers, paintings, balloons, and chants were poured on by the fans at the Staples Center. Celebrities, former teammates, and individuals from every creed and color also joined together on social media to honor not only the Laker legend, but his daughter and the other passengers on the ill-fated helicopter.
Kobe Bryant’s basketball resume is undoubtedly on a pedestal of its own. Kobe’s dedication to his craft and relentless work ethic were apparent as soon as he stepped on the court. Drafted straight from high school, becoming the youngest player to ever play in the NBA at 18 years and 72 days, Kobe took the league by storm, eventually being crowned as one of the greatest players in NBA history. Donning the Los Angeles Lakers’ purple and gold for all 20 years of his career, he became a five time NBA champion, 18-time All Star, MVP, two-time Olympic gold medalist, and is ranked fourth on the NBA’s all-time scoring list. His last appearance on the hardwood was when he dropped sixty points in the final game of his illustrious career on April 13, 2016.
While his performance on the court kept us on our feet for years, his accomplishments post- retirement is what makes his legacy even more impeccable. He won an Oscar in 2018 for his short animated film “Dear Basketball”, based on the retirement letter he wrote back in 2015, expressing his love for the sport that changed his life. In addition, he opened the Mamba Sports Academy in 2018 to train young athletes and pass down the knowledge of the game to the next generation. The academy is where his daughter Gianna “Gigi” Bryant garnered the attention of basketball fans as next in line to carry on the legacy of Kobe in the family; Gigi, affectionately nicknamed Mambasita, turned into a special player on the court as her father coached and supported her.
Finding closure after this traumatic event may take weeks, months, and possibly years for the families and friends of the victims involved, and others who feel a sentimental connection to the situation. Kobe Bryant will be remembered as more than an athlete; he was a family man and icon who won the hearts of many people in the world through his contagious mentality of being the best on and off the court. Amid all the adversity he faced in his career, from the torn Achilles and broken fingers to the controversies in the media, Kobe persevered through all the trials and tribulations, setting an example for the millions who followed his footsteps. His legacy will never die. Gigi graced an unlimited amount of potential that was unfortunately cut short. All the victims were champions and deserve to be showered with the same praise and affection. As a community, this tragedy serves as a wake up call, reminding us that life is truly what you make it. Everyday is a new opportunity to pursue your passions, reach out to your loved ones, and leave your imprint on the world before the toll bells ring. On behalf of the Trailblazer staff, we extend our deepest condolences to the families of all the victims who were affected by this appalling tragedy.
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