Mamba’s Gone, And We Just Can’t Believe It

Nine people… including Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna, Gianna’s teammate and parent, as well as the helicopter pilot, passed away today when their helicopter crashed in Calabasas, California, shortly before 10 am PST.

One of the world’s greatest players ever, and one of the most decorated… his numbers and accolades speak for themselves…

Career statistics
5× NBA champion (2000–2002, 2009, 2010) 2× NBA Finals MVP (2009, 2010) NBA Most Valuable Player (2008) 18× NBA All-Star (1998, 2000–2016) 11× All-NBA First Team (2002–2004, 2006–2013) 9× NBA All-Defensive First Team (2000, 2003, 2004, 2006–2011) 2× NBA scoring champion (2006, 2007) NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion (1997) Nos. 8 & 24 retired by Los Angeles Lakers
Points	33,643 (25.0 ppg)
Rebounds	7,047 (5.2 rpg)
Assists	6,306 (4.7 apg)

Despite every major news source confirming the bad news, it’s still hard for his close friends and family, as well as die-hard fans around the world, to believe that Kobe has passed.

The world quickly reacted, including Michael Jordan and Barack Obama:

“I am in shock over the tragic news of Kobe’s and Gianna’s passing. Words can’t describe the pain I’m feeling. I loved Kobe – he was like a little brother to me. We used to talk often and I will miss those conversations very much. He was a fierce competitor, one of the greats of the game and a creative force. Kobe was also an amazing dad who loved his family deeply – and took great pride in his daughter’s love for the game of basketball. Yvette joins me in sending my deepest condolences to Vanessa, the Lakers organization and basketball fans around the world.” – Michael Jordan

Many of us grew up with Kobe… we saw him mature, stumble and get back up, overcome adversity and tough injuries, and ultimately rise to become the star he was destined to be. Twenty years with the same team, we might never see that again. We either loved him or hated him; but above all, we respected him as one of the best.

Condolences to his wife, his daughters, close family and friends, and everyone who loved him from afar.

MAMBA, YOU WILL BE MISSED!

This article was originally published on 26 January 2020.