The tragic passing of Kobe Bryant has left many saddened, so I have compiled some legendary moments to celebrate his life and accomplishments during this time. Kobe Bryant was a legend. An inspiration. An icon. And so much more to so many people. Here are some of his most legendary moments from the last 41 years…
That time he had a rap career
Yes, you heard that right. Kobe Bryant had a short-lived but fulfilling rap career back when he still wore the number 8. He even performed at the 2000 All Star NBA game with Tyra Banks where he debuted his single titled “K.O.B.E.”
Listen to it here.
When he didn’t even flinch
Kobe Bryant’s focus and nerves were put to the test when Matt Barnes faked Kobe out but he didn’t event flinch! Legendary.
When he shut down gender stereotypes
In a 2018 interview on Jimmy Kimmel, Kobe Bryant discussed his daughter passing on his legacy after many comments were made that he needed to have a son. “I got this,” was his daughter Gianna’s response, and he shut down all the haters by agreeing with her and saying, “yes you do!”
Check out the video here.
Those times he showed us he was a man of many languages
What some people don’t know about Kobe Bryant is he spent most of his childhood in Italy when his dad retired from the NBA. Kobe was actually well-versed in many languages, including French, English, Italian and Spanish! Kobe was astoundingly known for speaking at press conferences in various languages.
Oscar winner and NBA champ?
Kobe Bryant was the first player in NBA history to win an Academy Award for his short film Dear Basketball. Bryant based the film off a 2015 poem he wrote, and he both wrote and narrated the film himself. If you want to watch the trailer, check it out here.
All those championships and records
Kobe played with the Lakers for 20 seasons, played in seven NBA finals and won five championships! Not to mention he held the record for third place in career points, only to be surpassed by LeBron James on January 25th 2020. Kobe Bryant will go down in history for inspiring an entire generation with his legendary skills.
When he inspired a meme
“KOBE!” – anyone throwing literally anything.
Before Tik Tok there was Vine, and Kobe has one of the most memorable Vines out there that is still referenced today! I’m sure you have heard at least one person in your life shout “Kobe!” as they attempt to throw something into the trash.
Check out the original Vine here.
That time he scored 81 points againt the Toronto Raptors
An absolute legend, Kobe Bryant dropped 81 points on the Raptors in 2006. Such a feat was never expected again after Wilt Chamberlain dropped 100 against the New York Knicks in 1962 (before games were even filmed). In the second half alone Kobe scored 55 points, making him the second highest point holder of all time in the second half of an NBA game behind Wilt Chamberlain.
Of course these are only a few of the legendary accomplishments and moments Kobe Bryant achieved in his short 41 years.
This article goes out to all the those affected by the tragic accident that occurred on January 26th 2020. May everyone keep the legendary mamba mentality forever #Mamba4life.
Sources:
https://www.complex.com/sports/2019/12/kobe-bryant-heckles-luka-doncic-in-native-language
https://www.nba.com/history/top-moments/2006-kobe-bryant-81-points
https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/7333081/kobe-bryant-rap-career
https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/bryanko01.html