By: Anadely Lagunas Former NBA Player Kobe Bryant passed away on Jan. 26, 2020. His death not only shocked the basketball community, but people from all around the world. Friends and family mourn the star’s death by endearing messages on social media and with acts of respect. On Jan. 25, 2020, the night before Kobe’s passing, Lebron James and Kobe Bryant shared their last moment together as Lebron James reached 33,644 points in his basketball career, surpassing Bryant’s number three spot on the all time scorers list (33,643). Bryant then tweeted his last tweet congratulating Lebron. “Continuing to move the game forward @KingJames. Much Respect my brother. #33644,” (Bryant). The day following Bryant’s death, Lebron James wrote an endearing instagram post in remembrance of the basketball legend. He starts off the message by explaining why he did not post sooner, and the pain he’s feeling for the loss of Bryant and his daughter, whom he considered family. “I literally just heard your voice Sunday morning before I left Philly to head back to LA. Didn't think for one bit in a million years that would be the last conversation we'd have. WTF!! I'm heartbroken and devastated my brother!!” He finishes the tweet by letting Kobe know that he will “continue your legacy man!” and hashtagging the post “#Mamba4Life #Gigi4Life” (Lebron). Many other athletes and NBA coaches expressed the pain from losing this basketball legend. Mark Cuban, owner of the Dallas Mavericks, announced that his team will never wear the jersey number 24 in respect and remembrance to Bryant. NBA commissioner Adam Silver acknowledged that Kobe was “one of the most extraordinary players in the history of our game.” Former teammate Shaquille O’ Neal, legends Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Michael Jordan, 76ers player Joel Embiid, alongside many others are all people who have also shared their condolences and tributes publicly to the star. The word legend isn’t thrown around easily. Kobe Bryant definitely earned that title, dating as far back as two decades ago. Bryant, being raised in Italy for seven years of his life, was a huge asset to the NBA and their ideas for worldwide expansion. Around the same time that Bryant joined the NBA, they were beginning to start streaming games on national TV. Joel Embiid, who was born in Cameroon, said himself that watching Bryant in the 2010 Finals is what sparked his motivation to play the sport. “I had never watched ball before that and that final was the turning point of my life!” (Embiid). He also brought his love for basketball to countries like China and the Philippines where he was deeply admired. He was a worldwide inspiration. Bryant holds five championship rings, the second highest points scored for a single-game by a player at 81, the fourth position on career scoring, 18 All-Star selections and two Olympic gold medals. Bryant has given a lot back to communities outside of basketball as well, even after his career which came to an end in 2016. From him meeting international fans, traveling to different US schools, his basketball academy, European Mamba Tour and charity events, it’s safe to say Bryant did everything he could to give back and put joy into others’ lives. Kobe Bryant was an extraordinary person and will be remembered as such.
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Dylan EdelmanWilson Senior Archives
February 2020
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