Logan Domer
ltd001@marietta.edu
Kobe Bryant, a basketball legend, was recently involved in a tragic incident that resulted in the death of him and his daughter. On January 26, 2020, a helicopter carrying Kobe, his daughter, and seven other people was caught smoking in the air amid foggy weather. The helicopter eventually went to the ground and killed all 9 members within. It was a horrific accident and one that will be talked about forever.
Leading up to this incident Bryant, also known as the “Black Mamba”, was an NBA sensation that had an astonishing career, unlike any others. He was known around the world as an amazing player with an unstoppable mentality that can be compared to none. He even had a saying for the way he carried himself, known as the “Mamba Mentality.” This mentality was filled with drive, passion, and determination to never be beaten. People around the world of all ages looked up to this mentality and attempted to mirror it. Using this mentality, he was able to accomplish a number of accolades on the basketball court.
Kobe Bryant graduated High School and was able to skip college and head into the NBA. In 1996 he was drafted by the Charlotte Hornets, but then, he was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, where he spent his entire career until he retired in 2016. Through his outstanding career, he won 5 championships, leading those teams as one of the most dominant scorers of all time. Of these five championships, he managed to win 3 of them in a row (in 2000, 2001, and 2002). He finished his career with 33,570 points, which is fourth in NBA history. The Mamba also had 18 All-Star selections, along with being named the league’s Most Valuable Player in the 2007-2008 season. After his amazing career in L.A., they decided to retire both of his jerseys, as he wore number 8 and 24.
There was a moment in Kobe’s career that glorifies his “Mamba Mentality”, and it was when he tore his achilles mid-game. After laying on the ground in severe pain, he pushed himself to get up and knock down two huge free throws. This was a mindset that he had and that people had wished to follow. These stats and accomplishments only scratch the surface of what Kobe has done for the NBA and the world.
This started with what he did after retiring from basketball; as many people know, many professional athletes’ careers are very short, and they only receive an income for the short amount of years they are in the league. Kobe was one of the athletes that recognized this. After his career, Kobe invested in entrepreneurship, as he and his partner were able to invest in over 15 businesses. Although he was already set financially, he wanted to do more; he wanted to help the young upcoming athletes understand this. His advice to them was to ask yourself, “What is my passion?” and encouraged the youth to find their future passion and develop themselves. This was his nature, always trying to help others.
This was just a small portion of Kobe’s life after basketball, as he continued to inspire others in so many different ways. Kobe said to a reporter, “I enjoy passing things on,” which he has done so within his books, podcasts, screenplays, kids’ basketball camps, coaching and so much more. Not only did he reach out to other athletes, but he also went to inspire business leaders, actors, musicians, and any group of people that can be thought of. His inspiration was so strong that so many people felt as if he was right by their side. His goal was not only to be great but to push for others to be the best versions of themselves. This is truly what it meant to have the “Mamba Mentality.”
Not only was Kobe an inspiration to the basketball world, but he was a loving husband and a proud father of 4 daughters. Kobe was able to inspire others to follow his “Mamba Mentality” to far more lengths than just the basketball court. Worldwide, NBA teams, cities, athletes, and many more have pushed to carry his story on through ceremonies and symbols of respect, proving his legacy will live on forever.
For more information visit https://www.nba.com/kobe-week, http://insider.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/28569693/kobe-bryant-never-stopped-trying-inspire, and https://www.cnbc.com/2017/08/24/kobe-bryant-heres-what-pro-athletes-should-do-after-retiring.html.
Photos from
https://fox43.com/2020/01/27/pennsylvanians-react-to-death-of-kobe-bryant/,
https://people.com/tv/kylie-jenner-remembers-ara-zobayan-pilot-in-kobe-bryant-crash/, and
https://durangoherald.com/articles/312123-los-angeles-unites-in-grief-for-adopted-son-kobe-bryant.
