ne year later, and the shock has not fully subsided. On one side you can argue that January 26, 2020 was only yesterday, but on the other hand, with how drastic life has changed since that fateful morning, you can also say that day seems so long ago.
But nothing like the pain that Bryant family continues to endure for the loss of not only Kobe but their daughter, Gianna.
LA is synonymous with Kobe Bryant, his entire 20 year career was with the Lakers. In 1996, Lakers General Manager Jerry West told the recently acquired superstar big man Shaquille O'Neal that he was going to trade for a young player named Kobe Bryant, and that he and Shaq would win multiple championships together. At the time, Shaq didn't fully understand what those words truly meant, and he shrugged it off.
5 championships later, 3 of them with Shaq, an MVP, 2 finals MVP's, being voted as an NBA all star 18 times, among other accolades, it's safe to say that Jerry West's remark to Shaq came true and then some.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time regardless of position, Kobe was one of the most ruthless competitors the game has ever seen. His tenacity, fire, aggression, and desire to win all stemmed from his remarkable work ethic. He was always the first person in the gym, and the last one out. His constant grind to be the best no matter what was absolutely inspiring; Mamba mentality translates to any field of work, not just the game of basketball.
We must never forget the other 8 lives that were killed on that horrific helicopter crash: Gianna Bryant, Keri Altobelli, John Altobelli, Alyssa Altobelli, Christina Mauser, Sarah Chester, Payton Chester, and pilot Ara Zobayan.
There will never be another black mamba, and the NBA will never be the same again. It was an absolute honor and a priveldge to watch him grow as a teenager entering the NBA, to the family man he became at age 41. The NBA All Star Game has been named in Kobe's honor. May all of those souls rest in eternal peace.
Malone Post has gathered some highlights of Kobe's career through the videos below.
