On the third mourning anniversary of former Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, the Black Mamba is still remembered as one of the most influential legends in NBA history, and as a recent star, current players look to the man who tragically lost his life on Jan. 26, 2020, as an influence.
Klay Thompson and his love for Kobe Bryant
Klay Thompson is one of the main architects of the Golden State Warriors and on his third mourning anniversary he remembers a man who played in his home state of California.
"My favorite part of the night was going down the court to see him leave, just to be able to say 'Hi' to him and see what he drove, what he wore, how he walked," Thompson said. "Those were just good memories for me, being in the Staples Center parking lot. Just knowing my name was enough for me to tell people that he was my 'good friend.'
Kobe, the Michael Jordan of the modern era
Thompson went further to confess that when he watched Kobe Bryant play it was like watching the new Michael Jordan. "To me, he's the G.O.A.T. [greatest of all time] of my era. He was the Michael Jordan of my era, the Kobe of my era. He did everything," Milwaukee Bucks point guard Jrue Holiday said. "... I felt like he was the leader of the era of basketball that I grew up watching, especially being from Los Angeles County, from Los Angeles, he's our G.O.A.T."
Kobe Bryant won everything, even an Academy Award
Kobe's model of excellence was also reflected in everything he touched, and that applies to the Lakers and the NBA as a whole. Even in retirement, Kobe Bryant's name meant hard work and inspiration to many people. That became part of American culture.
After retirement, he was never going to put his feet up on his front porch and it didn't take long for him to prove it with a 2018 Best Animated Short Film Oscar win for 'Dear Basketball'.
If there was anyone who deserved to enjoy the fruits of his labor in this world, it was Kobe Bryant. He maximized every advantage he had and worked tirelessly to be the best version of himself. In doing so, he left a legacy that proves that you can achieve the greatest goals if you are prepared to work harder than anyone else for it.
FAQs
He was a loving father, an advocate for gender equity and youth development in sports, and an inspiration for countless others. Through his books and the Mamba and Mambacita Foundation, his legacy lives on, inspiring future generations to pursue their passions and strive to be the best version of themselves.
How did Kobe impact the NBA? ›
Bryant earned a name for himself by displaying his incredible work ethic and leadership skills and is considered one of the best basketball players of all time. While playing, he was a four-time MVP and 18-time All-Star and won five NBA championships.
Who was Kobe Bryant's biggest influence? ›
The NFL Hall of Famer connected the dots between Bryant being someone who idolized Michael Jordan, then emulated him and had the gall to believe he could surpass the legend almost universally recognized as the greatest NBA player ever.
Why is Kobe Bryant a good role model? ›
Kobe Bryant always wanted to get better. He wanted to be the best he could in every aspect of his life that he could be. After his playing days he would take college courses on various different subjects. You see, Bryant saw the value in a college education; it was a part of his life he could improve.
What did Kobe Bryant do to inspire others? ›
“As one of the greatest basketball players of all time, Kobe's spotlight was brighter than almost anyone's, and he used it to help millions of kids. For 12 years he was an ambassador for After-School All-Stars, and he used his time and his resources to inspire our 90,000 kids and help build opportunities for them.
What did Kobe Bryant do that is important? ›
Widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport, Bryant won five NBA championships and was an 18-time All-Star, a 15-time member of the All-NBA Team, a 12-time member of the All-Defensive Team, the 2008 NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP), and a two-time NBA Finals MVP.
What is Kobe Bryant's legacy? ›
Bryant's legacy lives on with the Los Angeles Lakers, with the NBA and WNBA (both leagues have awards in honor of him), with Nike and with the Mamba and Mambacita Foundation.
How was Kobe Bryant a leader? ›
Kobe was also known for having incredible leadership skills that enabled his teams to succeed throughout his career. He was a strong communicator who seemed to understand everyone's role within the team dynamic and held everyone accountable for their roles.
How did Kobe help the WNBA? ›
He kept a close eye on the WNBA scene and even broke down the detailed reasons why stars like Diana Taurasi, Maya Moore, and Elena Delle Donne could fit in with the NBA. He dubbed Taurasi the White Mamba, which would push her to become the WNBA champion she is.
What makes Kobe Bryant a hero? ›
He is considered a hero because he has the trait of being determined, fearless, and inspirational. Kobe Bryant's was successful because of his determined mindset.
Bryant became one of the NBA's most popular players and the face of the Lakers during his career. Winning a record four NBA All-Star Game MVP awards, he was the overall league MVP in 2008, a two-time NBA scoring champion and 12 All-Defensive selections.
Was Kobe ever the best player in the NBA? ›
The iconic shooting guard was league MVP, a two-time Finals MVP, and is still the Lakers' all-time leading scorer. For many, Kobe is in the discussion of the greatest player in NBA history, thanks to his starring role on five different Lakers championship teams.
Was Kobe Bryant inspired by Michael Jordan? ›
The late great Kobe Bryant idolized Michael Jordan through and through.
What are some of Kobe Bryant's quotes? ›
Kobe's career in 24 quotes and 24 snapshots
- ''The most important thing is to try and inspire people so that they can be great in whatever they want to do'' ...
- "Everything negative -- pressure, challenges -- is all an opportunity for me to rise." ...
- ''Once you know what failure feels like, determination chases success.
Kobe Bryant didn't go to college.
What team had the best over/under record last year?
What has Kobe Bryant contributed to society? ›
Bryant has served as the honorary chair of United Way of Greater Los Angeles's annual HomeWalk for three consecutive years. Bryant volunteers his time to Make-A-Wish Foundation, NBA Cares and The Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and serves as an ambassador for After-School All-Stars.
What is the most important thing is to inspire Kobe? ›
"The most important thing is to try and inspire people so that they can be great at whatever they want to do."
What was Kobe Bryant's legacy? ›
Bryant's legacy lives on with the Los Angeles Lakers, with the NBA and WNBA (both leagues have awards in honor of him), with Nike and with the Mamba and Mambacita Foundation.
What made Kobe Bryant a great leader? ›
By staying open-minded and having respect for others, Kobe was able to lead his teammates to their greatest successes. He also understood the importance of self-reflection and taking time to evaluate how he could continue to improve as a leader.
