According to multiple news outlets and sources, NBA and Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant has passed away, along with 13-year-old daughter Gianna Maria-Onore Bryant. Around 1 p.m. EST, Bryant’s personal helicopter went down in the mountains of Calabasas, California. Bryant and his daughter were on board along with three others. At this point in time, we have no concrete information regarding the identity of the other passengers. According to ESPN, there’s currently an investigation ongoing.
Kobe Bryant leaves behind a shining legacy
There aren’t many individuals in modern times that had more of an impact on the world than Kobe Bryant. An ambassador for the NBA and Lakers, Kobe was more than an athlete. He was a husband, father to four daughters, a respectable businessman, and friend to everyone that had the pleasure of knowing him.
Throughout this century, Bryant has been a cultural phenomenon. Even non-sports fans know of Kobe thanks to his presence in aspects of life outside of basketball. However, his accomplishments on the court are nothing short of legendary.
Five NBA titles, one MVP, two Finals MVPs, and an 18-time All-Star, Bryant has one of the most spectacular resumes in NBA history. He is also fourth all-time in points, with 33,643. Last night, fellow Laker LeBron James broke that number. Kobe was at the game in Philadelphia and had this to say on Twitter:
Continuing to move the game forward @KingJames. Much respect my brother 💪🏾 #33644
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) January 26, 2020
Gianna was said to be a rising star in basketball herself at her young age, to the surprise of none.
In terms of the gaming world, Kobe was an investor in Epic Games. After his basketball retirement in 2016, Bryant pursued many business projects, even winning an Academy Award. His investment in Epic Games was one of many for his portfolio, but it shows he saw the potential for esports and gaming as a whole.
There aren’t many other things to say about Kobe Bryant. His legacy on and off the basketball court will live on for generations through his actions and his surviving daughters. Below you can see some tweets from celebrities around the world after the news of Kobe’s passing broke:
We miss you already Kobe ❤️❤️🙏🏼🙏🏼
— Tom Brady (@TomBrady) January 26, 2020
Nooooooooooo God please No!
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) January 26, 2020
Man I don’t even know where to start😭😭 I started playing ball because of KOBE after watching the 2010 finals. I had never watched ball before that and that finals was the turning point of my life. I WANTED TO BE LIKE KOBE. I’m so FREAKING SAD right now!!!!
RIP LEGEND
— Joel “Troel” Embiid (@JoelEmbiid) January 26, 2020
Jesus man, RIP Kobe. Your impact on and off the court will be remembered forever. Long Live Black Mamba.
— OpTic HECZ (@H3CZ) January 26, 2020
Kobe Bryant was 41. Gianna Bryant was 13. They will be missed.
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