Kobe.
Even if you are not a basketball fan, most people know the name the "Kobe" by itself as one of basketball's most influential athletes to step on the court. As Kobe Bryant put on his uniform for the final time last week with the Los Angeles Lakers, it is extremely difficult to picture the game losing such an incredible figure.
Bryant represents more than a basketball junkie—he's a knowledgeable and dedicated athlete who shows that a killer instinct, refined skills, and respect for the game itself are just a few qualities that make him not only a successful player, but a successful person both on and off the court.
Quite simply, the word “athlete” itself is defined as “a person who is trained in or good at sports, games or exercises that require physical skill and strength.” This is somewhat offensive to all those involved in sports who know the true meaning of an athlete encompasses so much more. To be able to appreciate and dedicate yourself to a group of people and organization, to give up your time and energy, learn the rules, plays and strategies of your sport, and then being able to apply all your skills to the game to make it unique and special is only beginning to explain what creates an athlete.
That's exactly what number 24 from the Lakers has given to the NBA for so long.
Bryant was drafted to the NBA right out of high school, first to the Charlotte Hornets and then traded to the Lakers. In his game on Wednesday, Bryant spoke to his fans and said that being such a "die hard" Laker fan all his life, and then to be traded to the organization to still be standing there 20 years later is something incredible –– all he could say about it was, "You can't write something better than this."
For 20 seasons now, the dedication to his program and his goals is completely unmatched and incredibly honorable. To list a few of Kobe's incredible accolades, he was chosen for and has played in 18 All-Star NBA games, has played for the All-NBA Team 15 times, 12-time all-defensive team, has five championships rings, has two NBA Finals MVPs and one regular season MVP.
In Bryant's final game against the Utah Jazz on Wednesday night, in the packed Staples Center, he left his fans with a game to remember after scoring 60 points to ultimately lead his team to the get the win, with the final score being 101 to 96. The game was filled with video tributes and screaming fans to show the overwhelming support and appreciation for Bryant.
Although the Lakers had a tough season finishing with a record of 17 wins and 65 losses, Bryant and the Lakers fans were still there supporting and screaming the whole season. In his speech to the crowd, Bryant said he enjoyed the championships, but appreciates the "down years" because "We didn't run, we played through it" and because they were able to win the championships "the right way."
Kobe Bryant has given so many athletes an incredible role model to look up to. Recently as Bryant played in the Oracle Arena for the last time and spoke with Stephen Curry from the Golden State Warriors –– who is busy creating his own basketball history-- the conversation between the two included Bryant telling Curry, "You guys have to go and create history," while Curry responded with, "I got to chase you." Curry has definitely listened to Bryant's advice as he led the Golden State Warriors to 73 wins on the same night Bryant had his final run, beating the Memphis Grizzles 125-104. This marks the Warriors 73rd win this season, beating the 1995-96 Bulls team in winning 73 games in a season.
Countless athletes hold so much respect for Bryant and everything he has brought to the game of basketball. Many took to Twitter to comment on the game, so much so that the Los Angles Lakers Twitter page tweeted, "Sorry about that, everybody. Kobe got too hot for the Twitter servers," since their system temporarily crashed and they were not able to tweet. Athletes like LeBron James from the Cleveland Cavaliers tweeted, "Love me or Hate me but at the end of the day you will RESPECT me!!" in response to Kobe's performance; while James' teammate Kevin Love tweeted, "I hope Kobe has a Derek Jeter walk-off moment here..." Safe to say Kobe made his moment heard loud and clear.
Kobe Bryant's basketball career will be one that many will come to remember and revere for years to come. I'm extremely grateful to be able to have witnessed the greatness that is Kobe Bryant, and hope when I'm sitting on the couch with my kids one day watching basketball, they are able to see all the athletes who are inspired for strive for greatness all because of what the 'Black Mamba' gave to basketball.
