This week we celebrated Kobe Bryants birthday and his NBA career. The basketball Hall-of-Famer tragically passed away in a helicopter crash in early 2020. Though he had lived a shortened life, the parts that we saw were something to behold.
A five-time world champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist, Bryant’s accomplishments speak for themselves. What he meant to the game overall can stretch over multiple stories. He went from an aspiring star growing up in the Philadelphia area to a Basketball legend that shone the brightest light in Los Angeles.
He inspired several athletes, some of whom are the NBA’s biggest stars today. The grit, passion, and determination he withheld truly separated him from the rest of his peers and played a key role in his ascent to superstardom. In this article, we look back on moments that defined the career of Kobe Bryant, remembering the story behind one of the greatest players in NBA history.
Introducing Kobe Bryant
Briefly removed from living in Italy, where his father Joe finished his pro career, Kobe Bryant started on his track to the NBA at Lower Merion High. Between 1992 and 1996, Bryant developed his game through his sharp competitive edge and tireless work ethic. His continued efforts played a pivotal role in Lower Merion’s growth into a state power. They went from a 4-20 record in Bryant’s freshman year to state champions in his senior year. This part of Kobe’s journey should never be overlooked. The man himself credits his time at Lower Merion for molding his character.
“Lower Merion and everything associated with it made me who I am.�
Kobe Bryant
Once his High School career ended, Kobe Bryant made his way to the association. Though he’d proven himself a hot commodity entering the draft, Bryant was a prospect fresh out of high school. Considering that the headliners in 1996 had played on the national stage, it hurt his draft stock. Bryant ultimately dropped to the 13th overall pick, where the Charlotte Hornets selected him. They then immediately traded his rights to the Lakers for a minimal return. Thus began a career for the ages.
From a rising star to an icon
Kobe Bryant spent the first two seasons of his career coming off the bench in LA. Though he clearly had work ahead of him, the talent he displayed when he got on the floor was clear to see. By his third season, Bryant became a starter and would not relinquish that role for the remainder of his 20-year career. In the 99-00 season, Bryant averaged over 20 points a game for the first time in his career. Alongside Shaquille O’Neal, his efforts spearheaded the Lakers into a dynasty.
Los Angeles went on to win three straight NBA championships between 2000 and 2002. From 1999 to 2004, the Lakers either won the NBA title or bowed out to the eventual champions. A fallout between Bryant and O’Neal led to a parting of one of the NBA’s greatest dynasties. LA subsequently fell down the league hierarchy, but for only a short time. The purple and gold rose back to prominence in 2008. With a remade cast of complementary stars, Bryant led the Lakers back to the NBA finals. Their title victories in 2009 and 2010 further cemented Kobe’s all-time status.
While the championships elevated his all-time rank, the standout individual performances along the way helped spark his legend. Even so, you could put up a top ten list of Kobe Bryant performances and still miss a lot of what made him so great.
Along with the performances listed, here come multiple moments that have stuck with fans and peers to this day. Winning the league MVP in 2008, closing out his career with a 60 point performance, the moment he surpassed Michael Jordan on the all-time scoring list, etc. Each of these instances encapsulated the great talent and defines the legend that he continues to be.
Inspiring the current & next generation
Some of the NBA’s top players today looked up to Kobe. Not just for the talent and style of his game, but the mental approach he brought to it as well. Coined the “Mamba Mentality,” Bryant developed a new standard in training and practice. It invokes a consistent work ethic that displays dedication to the game and a desire to perfect their craft. It also inspires a willingness to lead and flourish regardless of one’s surrounding circumstances.
He had well-documented relationships with modern greats like LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony, Kyrie Irving, and others. In his latter days, he assumed a mentorship role for several up-and-coming talents that have begun to take the reigns across the league now. Some of these players include Trae Young, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Devin Booker. These developments go to show how he’s influenced the game even after retirement. The respect he’s earned will extend far beyond his playing days as a result.
This all plays into why many suggest that he easily ranks next to Michael Jordan and LeBron James as arguably the greatest to ever do it. Regardless of where you stand, Bryant has more than earned respect for what he’s accomplished throughout his career.
Kobe Bryant after the NBA
The most public part of Kobe Bryant’s life post-retirement had to do with his venture into coaching. His late daughter Gianna developed an interest in the game, and Kobe lent his hand to help her and several others come into their own as players. This allowed Kobe to re-engage with a game he originally intended to leave behind.
Surely, Kobe had more in the works that would have come about by now. We were unfortunately deprived of seeing what that would have entailed. Though over a year has passed, we all still remember the great loss dealt to us on January 26th, 2020. The basketball world treads on, remembering the lives of Payton Chester, Sarah Chester, Christina Mauser, Alyssa Altobelli, John Altobelli, Keri Altobelli, Ara Zabayan, Gianna Bryant, and Kobe Bryant.
