Remembering Kobe Bryant
Kobe Bryant didn’t go to college instead he chose a different path then other players as he decided to go directly to the NBA out of high school.
He was drafted in 1996 by the Charlotte Hornets before being traded to the Los Angeles Lakers for Vlade Divac during the draft “according to https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/kobe-bryant-and-the-draft-day-trade-that-changed-nba-history/
He played twenty seasons for the Los Angeles Lakers.
During his twenty year career he was an 18 time all-star, 2x Scoring Champ , 5 x NBA Champion , 15 x All -NBA , 12x All -Defensive , 1996-97 All -Rookie 4x All-Star Most Valuable Player 2x NBA Finals Most Valuable Player, 2007-2008 Most Valuable Player. “according to https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/bryanko01.html
Unfortunately his life and his daughter’s Gianna Bryant’s lives ended too soon.
Bryant was on his way to a youth basketball game with his daughter Gianna Bryant, who was 13, when the helicopter crashed, sources said. Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva said in a news conference that there were no survivors, and according to the flight manifest, there were nine people on board the helicopter. “according to https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/28569438/sources-kobe-bryant-daughter-gianna-die-helicopter-crash
Los Angeles County Fire Chief Daryl Osby said Sunday afternoon that the Federal Aviation Administration was on the scene and will work with the National Transportation Safety Board to investigate the crash. He said authorities will not release the names of victims until they are identified and next of kin are notified.”according to https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/28569438/sources-kobe-bryant-daughter-gianna-die-helicopter-crash
Villanueva and Los Angeles County chief medical examiner Dr. Jonathan Lucas said later Sunday night that, given the terrain and condition of the crash site, they expect the recovery effort to take anywhere from a couple to several days. After recovery is complete, the identification process can begin.”according to https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/28569438/sources-kobe-bryant-daughter-gianna-die-helicopter-crash
The cause of the crash was unknown. The helicopter departed from John Wayne Airport in Orange County at 9:06 a.m. PT. It was going to Mamba Sports Academy in Thousand Oaks for Gianna's game, sources told ESPN. The first 911 call reporting the crash was received at 9:47 a.m.”according to https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/28569438/sources-kobe-bryant-daughter-gianna-die-helicopter-crash
Orange Coast College baseball coaching legend John Altobelli, his wife, Keri, and their daughter Alyssa were among the victims, the Altobelli family confirmed. Altobelli won four California community college titles in his 27 years at the school.”according to https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/28569438/sources-kobe-bryant-daughter-gianna-die-helicopter-crash
Costa Mesa Mayor Katrina Foley tweeted that the dead also included Christina Mauser, a girls' basketball coach at a nearby private elementary school. Mauser's husband, Matt Mauser, founded the Tijuana Dogs, a popular Orange County band. In a Facebook post, he said: "My kids and I are devastated. We lost our beautiful wife and mom today in a helicopter crash."“according to https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/28569438/sources-kobe-bryant-daughter-gianna-die-helicopter-crash
Also killed in the crash were Sarah Chester and her daughter Payton, a middle school student, sources confirmed to ESPN. Riley Chester, Payton's brother, posted a tribute to his family on Instagram on Sunday, writing, "Rest in Peace to the most amazing Mother and sister. I love you Pay Pay and Mom RIP."“according to https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/28569438/sources-kobe-bryant-daughter-gianna-die-helicopter-crash
The pilot, who has not been identified, was also killed.”according to https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/28569438/sources-kobe-bryant-daughter-gianna-die-helicopter-crash
The crash came one day after Bryant was passed by Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James for third on the NBA career scoring list. As late as 10:39 p.m. ET Saturday, Bryant was active on social media, congratulating James on Twitter during the Lakers' 108-91 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers.”according to https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/28569438/sources-kobe-bryant-daughter-gianna-die-helicopter-crash
A source told ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk that the Lakers found out about Bryant's death while on the team plane flying home from Philadelphia.”according to https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/28569438/sources-kobe-bryant-daughter-gianna-die-helicopter-crash
"Everyone is in shock," a team source said.”according to https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/28569438/sources-kobe-bryant-daughter-gianna-die-helicopter-crash
A visibly shaken James wiped his eyes with tissues and walked alone from the plane after it landed Sunday in Southern California.”according to https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/28569438/sources-kobe-bryant-daughter-gianna-die-helicopter-crash
James inscribed his sneakers with "Mamba 4 Life" and "8/24 KB" in gold marker before Saturday's game, showing respect for Bryant, an 18-time All-Star with the Lakers who is eligible for the Basketball Hall of Fame this year.”according to https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/28569438/sources-kobe-bryant-daughter-gianna-die-helicopter-crash
All week, in the lead-up to the milestone, James was quick to laud Bryant.”according to https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/28569438/sources-kobe-bryant-daughter-gianna-die-helicopter-crash
Lebron James had this to say about Kobe Bryant.
"It's another guy that I looked up to when I was in grade school and high school," James said. "Seeing him come straight out of high school, he is someone that I used as inspiration. It was like, wow. Seeing a kid, 17 years old, come into the NBA and trying to make an impact on a franchise, I used it as motivation. He helped me before he even knew of me because of what he was able to do. So just to be able to, at this point of my career, to share the same jersey that he wore, be with this historical franchise and just represent the purple and gold, it's very humbling, and it's dope.”according https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/28569438/sources-kobe-bryant-daughter-gianna-die-helicopter-crash
"Kobe's a legend. That's for damn sure." “according to https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/28569438/sources-kobe-bryant-daughter-gianna-die-helicopter-crash
Shaquille O’Neal had this to say about his former teammate in a post on Instagram.
Shaquille O'Neal, who won three titles with Bryant in Los Angeles, posted on Instagram: "There's no words to express the pain I'm going through now with this tragic and sad moment of loosing my friend, my brother, my partner in winning championships, my dude and my homie. I love you brother and you will be missed. My condolences goes out to the Bryant family and the families of the other passengers on board. IM SICK RIGHT NOW!" “according to https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/28569438/sources-kobe-bryant-daughter-gianna-die-helicopter-crash
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver had this to say about Kobe Bryant and his daughter’s passing Gianna Bryant’s passing.
The NBA family is devastated by the tragic passing of Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna.
"For 20 seasons, Kobe showed us what is possible when remarkable talent blends with an absolute devotion to winning. He was one of the most extraordinary players in the history of our game with accomplishments that are legendary: five NBA championships, an NBA MVP award, 18 NBA All-Star selections, and two Olympic gold medals. But he will be remembered most for inspiring people around the world to pick up a basketball and compete to the very best of their ability. He was generous with the wisdom he acquired and saw it as his mission to share it with future generations of players, taking special delight in passing down his love of the game to Gianna.”according to https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/28569438/sources-kobe-bryant-daughter-gianna-die-helicopter-crash
Duke Head Coach Mike Krzyzewski who also was Kobe Bryant’s head coach when he represented his country had this to say about the passing of his former player and his daughter Gianna.
I had the amazing honor of coaching Kobe in the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games, and I will always remember how much he cherished representing his country in a first-class manner playing the game he so loved. The game of basketball is better today because of Kobe, and he deserves eternal appreciation for that. This is a devastating loss, made even more tragic by the passing of his daughter, Gianna, and all others on board. The entire Krzyzewski family is saddened as we genuinely loved and admired Kobe. We extend our deepest sympathies to his wife, Vanessa, their daughters Natalia, Bianka, and Capri, and the families of those involved.” “according to https://collegebasketball.nbcsports.com/2020/01/26/mike-krzyzewski-jim-boeheim-comment-on-death-of-kobe-bryant-and-daughter-gianna/
Former Duke player, NBA player and current vice president of basketball and development for the Miami Heat of the NBA had this say about the passing of Kobe Bryant.
I am so sad at the tragic news today,” tweeted former NBA and Duke player Shane Battier. “Kobe was such a huge part of my career and my basketball life as a measuring stick, as an adversary, as a role model of basketball greatness.””according to https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/charlotte-hornets/article239665578.html
As for me,
I broke down when I read the shocking news about Kobe Bryant !
RIP to the player who wore number 8 and number 24 for the Los Angeles Lakers! You will be missed by those who had the pleasure of watching you play, you will be missed by your former teammates who you made an impact on day in and day out in your time in the league !
RIP Kobe!
You may be gone but you will never be forgotten as your legacy will live on through the players currently in the NBA!