This feels like only yesterday! I was picking up some catering for our annual Royal Rumble party when I heard the news. Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna, and a group of passengers tragically died in a devastating helicopter crash. The world stood still as the Los Angeles Lakers legend was pronounced dead on the scene. On the way to Gigi’s basketball event, the helicopter flew in foggy conditions and fatally crashed in Calabasas, California. The “Black Mamba” built a legacy that may never be duplicated as we revisit his greatness on the court.
Kobe’s Legendary Career
Many people don’t remember that Kobe Bryant was drafted by the Charlotte Hornets in 1996. He was instantly traded to the Los Angeles Lakers for center Vlade Divac. The rest is history! Bryant would go on to become not only one of the greatest Lakers of all-time, but one of the greatest to ever do it, period.
It wouldn’t take long for the “Black Mamba” to take the league by storm. He and teammate Shaquille O’Neal would become one of the most feared duos in NBA history. The tandem would win three consecutive championships, being virtually unstoppable until they hit the roadblock known as the Detroit Pistons in 2004.
All good things eventually come to an end. With inner turmoil between the two, the Lakers would trade Shaq to the Miami Heat, giving the keys to Kobe. Shortly after, he would have the second-highest scoring game ever with 81, proving he could be the “man!” Bryant would lead the franchise to two more championships before his time was done.
The Hall of Famer would have a total of five NBA championships and two Olympic Gold Medals. His resume also includes eighteen All-Star appearances, four All-Star MVPs, two Finals MVPs, one regular season MVP, and a partridge in a pear tree. Oh, don’t forget about the eleven All-NBA First Team Awards and nine All-Defensive First Team Awards.
Kobe’s Tragic Death
Sometimes it still doesn’t feel real! You see highlights of a guy who played in 2016, and he’s gone. It’s crazy that one of the greatest NBA players of all time tragically died at the age of 41. His daughter Gianna “Gigi” Bryant was only 13 years old and had a promising basketball future.
The ultimate “girl dad” could often be seen sitting courtside with his daughter, teaching her the ins and outs of the game. Building and preparing her for her own greatness. Nine lives that were gone way too soon.
The helicopter crash was not only fatal to Kobe and his daughter, who obviously got the most coverage, but also to seven other passengers. John Altobelli, Keri Altobelli, Alyssa Altobelli, Christina Mauser, Sarah Chester, Payton Chester, and Ara Zobayan all tragically lost their lives.
Final Thoughts
On the court, Kobe Bryant was the closest thing to Michael Jordan the league has ever seen. It was a very surreal moment when finding out about his untimely death. To this generation, it could be their Elvis or Tupac. Someone who was gone way too early in life, leaving us wondering what else he would have accomplished.
Kobe was the most influential player in the NBA in the era that I watched the most. Especially being from Detroit, I loved watching the “Go to Work” Pistons win the 2004 Championship and taking down LA. Although I rooted against him, Kobe was respected on the court for his work ethic and willingness to win. I am glad I got to watch his entire career throughout the years. He was a one-in-a-generation type player. Rest In Peace Mamba!
