The Legacy of Kobe Bryant

Less than one month into 2020 the world was struck with an unfathomable tragedy. On Jan. 26 at 11:30 AM, former Laker and basketball great, Kobe Bryant was involved in an aviation accident in Calabasses, Cali. Before the helicopter stopped smoking, many reports had swarmed the internet regarding Kobe’s involvement in the crash and less than 3 hours later it had been confirmed that Kobe Bryant along with his daughter, Gigi, and 7 others had been killed. It had seemed as if time had stopped. Instagram, twitter, Facebook, and even TikTok was filled with posts memorializing Kobe and Gigi. Fans gathered outside of the staples center and placed items down to create a memorial for the Mamba. Fans around the world mourned the loss of the future Hall of Famer. Petitions have been circulating the internet to make Kobe the new NBA logo, replacing the former model and fellow Laker great, Jerry West.

Other gestures made by countless other teams and people have been made to commemorate Kobe and Gigi. NBA teams scheduled for the 26th started the game with a 24-second shot clock violation, followed by an 8-second backcourt violation to honor Kobe and his two numbers he played with in the NBA. Atlanta Hawks guard, Trae Young, started the game against the Washington Wizards wearing number 8. Young, normally number 11, decided to wear number 8 to honor Bryant who had mentored and inspired Young. The Atlanta guard took to instagram to express his grief. “All the lessons. All the advice. Every word you ever told me… Will stick with me forever. Thank you Kobe.” Young had dropped 45 points with 6 rebounds and 14 assists on 24 shots.

Kobe had a huge influence on not only the NBA but the world. Kobe was a big activist in women’s equality in sports. Bryant, having 4 daughters, supported his two oldest daughters endeavors in sports. Natalia, 17, played volleyball and Gianna (Gigi), 13, played basketball for Kobe’s select team. Bryant was often seen at Natalia’s high school games and club tournaments when he wasn’t coaching Gigi and her basketball team, “Mamba”.