Legends Never Die - Kobe Bryant
On January 26, 2020, the sports world lost a great athlete, ambassador and legend in a tragic helicopter accident. Although Kobe Bryant is known for his many accomplishments (5X NBA Champion, 18X NBA All-Star, multiple time NBA Finals MVP, NBA League MVP, 2X Olympic Gold Medalist, Oscar Winner), to sports fans across the globe, he’s known as the Black Mamba.
Kobe spent his entire childhood watching, living and breathing basketball. He entered the NBA right out of high school, at the tender age of 18, and spent the next 20 seasons of his career with the Lakers. Kobe quickly developed into a talented player whose physical abilities rivaled those of Michael Jordan’s. In fact, during the last few seasons of Michael’s career, Kobe would have the privilege of facing the legendary athlete. These moments were truly special, as it was like watching the passing of the torch from one great to the next.
As Kobe matured in the league, he created a likeness and ferocity in competition that earned him the nickname Black Mamba. Kobe’s influence off the court was global. His presence and mentality transcended the league and he connected with so many people, not just with his style of play, but also with what he represented.
His popularity came in part from his connection and partnership to NIKE. Not only was he one of their key players with signature shoes, but he also had memorable campaigns and great merchandising. His focus was always around the Black Mamba mentality -- being a vicious competitor, doing your best, not making excuses, picking yourself up after your losses. Even after his retirement, he kept Black Mamba alive through motivational talks, new business ventures and even in children’s entertainment and film making.
Canada wasn’t immune to the Black Mamba effect… most notably due to the 81-point game Kobe scored on the Toronto Raptors. Kobe also had some truly entertaining interviews with Cabral Richards, AKA Cabbie from the Street. As their relationship developed over the years, these series of interviews got way more intimate and allowed viewers to see a different side of Kobe, away from the Black Mamba mentality.
From his title runs with Shaq and the Lakers to branching off and defining his own legacy in 2009 and 2010 and almost passing the torch to the Lakers’ new superstar, Lebron James, Kobe’s legacy is defined not only by what he did for the game of basketball, but also by his off-court ventures. He thrived on inspiring athletes of the next generation to do great things and even created the Mamba League, where his daughter played.
On January 26th, the sports community suffered a great loss, not just in Kobe, but in his daughter Gianna and the rest of the passengers aboard that helicopter. Though it’s incredibly sad for Kobe’s story to come to an end in this way, his positive influence will forever be carried on in generations of athletes to come. Kobe will be missed, but never forgotten. Legends Never Die. Rest in Power Kobe!
