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Jordan C. & Matthew H.

The legacy of Kobe Bryant

On January 26, 2020, the world lost one of the greatest basketball players to ever play the game: Kobe Bryant. Kobe Bryant passed away in a helicopter crash in Calabasas along with eight others — including his thirteen-year-old daughter Gianna (Gigi) Bryant. In the days that followed, the NBA, and the whole world, paused to commemorate his extraordinary life. With that in mind, it seemed appropriate to write an article commemorating the life of this role-model, producer, and father through some of his famous quotes:


You are responsible for how people remember you - or don't. So don't take it lightly. If you do it right, your game will live on in others. You'll be imitated and emulated by those you played with, those you played against and those who never saw you play at all.

In the NBA, Kobe was known not only for his successes — he finished his career as a five-time NBA champion, eighteen-time All-Star, two-time NBA Finals MVP, and an NBA MVP — but also as a source of inspiration and a role model for the next generation of NBA players. This was clearly shown through the emotional tributes of current NBA players.


Even after his retirement, Kobe would continue to stay invested in the NBA by calling or even training with current players in order to help them improve their own game.

“I had a great speaking arts teacher … who taught how to structure story, how to write story… The world revolves around storytelling, and so it serves an important role in our society at large. I get excited to try to, you know, play my small part in it.”



In 2018, Kobe won an academy award for Best Animated Short Film for his film Dear Basketball. The film is based on a letter Kobe Bryant wrote to The Players' Tribune on November 29, 2015, announcing his retirement from basketball. Through the film, Kobe was able to share his love for the sport of basketball using his diverse skillset. That being said, Kobe is still much more than just basketball. His love and motivation for storytelling as well as his ability to motivate and inspire a diverse group of individuals is a big part of his legacy. The trailer for his film is available from this link: https://dearbasketball.com/

“Use your success, wealth and influence to put them in the best position to realize their own dreams and find their true purpose. Put them through school, set them up with job interviews and help them become leaders in their own right. Hold them to the same level of hard work and dedication that it took for you to get to where you are now, and where you will eventually go.”


Kobe’s dedication as a father was truly inspirational. After easing away from basketball since his retirement, he suddenly got back into watching and following the NBA once his daughter (Gigi) began to play more competitive basketball. They began watching basketball together on weekdays and even sitting courtside to embrace the action up close. This was actually the last public appearance Kobe made, sitting courtside at an NBA game with his daughter.


With that being said, Kobe was world-renowned for his exemplary work ethic so it seemed fitting to end with this quote:


“Those times when you get up early... those times when you stay up late... when you're too tired... you don't want to push yourself, but you do it anyway.”

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