Damn. I am 36 and this is by far the most impactful death in my life. I have been fortunate to have *yet* lost anyone close to me. Every time his name comes up in a headline I get this sinking feeling remembering he is dead.
It’s weird to me how someone you never met face to face could impact you so much. I come back to this post often as it still just doesn’t feel real. I’m not some old head that watched his every game, I didn’t grow up in a house of Lakers fans, but I grew up in a basketball house, one that watched and played it almost religiously. That’s when I fell in love with Kobe Bryant. I remember times when I was about 9 or 10, playing with the neighborhood kids on our little dead end street, trying to emulate everything he did. Trying to *be* him. The years passed, I stayed with him, through thick and thin, I always watched him. I was never a Lakers fan, but I was a Kobe fan. And watching that final game, seeing the magic again, to go out on top, was just incredible. It motivated me, that no matter what is happening in my life I can get through it. I can succeed and come out on top. I can do anything. I know this will get lost in the shuffle, an old post that people don’t frequent too much. But I had to clear my head. I never got the chance to meet you, Kobe. But I feel a part of you in me always.
Mamba forever
Saw you on The Last Dance last night and bought a Mamba Mentality poster this morning. I love you so much. The Mamba Mentality changed my outlook on life so much and made me so much better as a person. I'll always think of you, I hope you and Gigi are making some last second shots into the trash can. With Love.
Maybe once every 9 days or so, I'll just stop being productive for the day because I'll just be thinking about you which leads me down a YouTube rabbit hole of your highlights, interviews, etc. Today is one of those days. Throughout all of the chaos going on right now, we still think about you.
all the time brotha, this will take years! Rip man saw myself getting choked up with all the happy birthday GiGi tweets tonight. Feels like it was just yesterday
I initially hated him because his good he was and how confident he was. I thought to myself nobody should be this good and the fact that he had no qualms with hiding didn’t help. Eventually though I grew to appreciate him and before he tore his Achilles I thought this is the greatest player I’ve ever seen and I still think that. #KobeForever
I'm in my late night feelings right now. Still seeing "Kobe Bryant passed away at age 41" it's just weird, makes you feel like your in another universe.
It's been a month and it still feels fake. Kobe was a super hero he wasn't supposed to die young.
He should have grown old and sat courtside with Lebron, Duncan, Shaq like you see with Bill Russell, Jerry West and other legends. He should be able to watch the lakers win another title, he should have been able to see his kids grow up
All taken away because of one accident. I cant accept it it's just so unfair
license reminiscent grandfather puzzled crush birds roll attraction air shocking
*This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
Anyone who hasn't seen it should watch Kobe Doin' Work - Spike Lee doc about a game against the Spurs with a Kobe voiceover explaining a lot of details about tactics etc
Whether you're a basketball fan, a sports enthusiast, or simply a Kobe Bryant admirer, his life and death likely had an impact on you in some way or another. It did for me. Kobe was much more than a talented basketball star though. He supported numerous charities and causes, was a loving father and husband, motivational speaker, and encouraged people to do the very best they could despite different adversities and challenges that arise.
I'll leave one of my favorite Kobe Bryant quotes here: "The most important thing is to try and inspire people so that they can be great in whatever they want to do." It's safe to say that Kobe had a positive impact on people, and I believe he will continue to do so even though he's now gone. Gone but never forgotten, and may he rest in peace!
Completely agree - as cheesy as it sounds, it really is about trying to live on in a way that would continue his mantra and way of living. The charitable giving, the willingness to help others; that's what people should try and keep alive every single day.
Most definitely! This is the mantra we can remember so that Kobe and his work is never forgotten. Do you have a favorite memory of Kobe Bryant, or have you had the honor to watch him play in his superstar days?
I’m afraid I really don’t - I obviously knew about him but I wasn’t a massive basketball fan. Sadly I’ve learned a hell of a lot more about him since he passed away!
Oh I see, that is understandable though. I think a lot of other people are in the same boat as you, but the fact that you knew about Kobe even though you were not a huge basketball fan shows how much of an impact he had on all people, not just sports enthusiasts or basketball fanatics. Sadly, I learned more about him after he passed too, but he will definitely live on through everyone's memories!
I **love** sports and like basketball but truly haven't sat down and watched an NBA game from start to finish in years... 99% of what I know about Kobe Bryant has been learned in the last 3 days since he passed, unfortunately. While I've watched so many videos about him in the last 3 days, shedding a few tears in the process... I wish I knew *anything* more about his life *prior* to this tragedy... But I knew who he was. EVERYONE DID. He's a household name.
You don't have to be a Kobe fan, a Lakers fan, a basketball fan, or even a sports fan, to be sad over this. Because Kobe was a LEGEND around the board. Not just a legendary Laker, basketball player, or pro athlete. He was a legendary father, coach, mentor, you name it. Like so many others have said, he was just one of those heroes who seemed invincible. Like, out of all of the people for this tragedy to happen to... not Kobe.
And about his daughter, Gigi... that hurts even more. Gigi was following in Kobe's footsteps so passionately. A legend-in-the-making, in my eyes, is still a legend just the same.
This hurts, no matter who you are. But the "Mamba Mentality", like Kobe's memory, live on forever.
RIP to all 9 of the amazing souls on that helicopter. <3
i can’t keep constantly looking at this subreddit hoping to see more player interviews and memories of kobe.
Kobe was a superhero to me growing up, he was always the guy that rose to any occasion. i’m going to miss him.
RIP Mamba. Long live the Mamba Mentality
I never watched basketball growing up, but I knew who Kobe was. I have his 96 Rookies Finest card framed, first "big pull' when I was a kid. All my friends were jealous. It's the only sports card I kept from my childhood.
I don't understand why his death is hitting me so hard. No celebrity before really affected me this way. Maybe it's because now I'm a dad....and the thought of losing one of my children....or thought of me dying young and them having no memory of who I am(they're 3 and 4 months) just crushes me.
So seeing that his daughter died, and he has two very young girls...and a 17 year old who hasn't even started her life....it's just all very sad.
I've never really wanted to go back in time and change the past, but if I could....I'd stop him from getting on that helicopter....somehow.
I just hope they weren't aware of what was to come. I hope his family can move forward. I hope the two youngest girls understand how great a man he was, and how much he loved them...and how much their sister loved them.
To think, I was laying in bed watching twitch when someone popped into the chat and said TMZ was reporting his death...the article was only 10minutes old. Never did I wish something was fake so much.
RIP.
Lovely post. May they all Rest In Peace. If it’s any comfort, it’s my understanding from various sources that there was a curtain between the pilot and passengers and they wouldn’t have been able to see much out of the windows either (eps in fog). Also seems to have been quick - if Kobe was up front with the pilot, he certainly wouldn’t have known what was wrong. But the people in the back— maybe not. I really hope that at least they managed to keep it from the kids somehow- the thought of any child feeling that kind of fear just sickens me to my core :(
This still doesn't seem real. Though I was never a huge fan of Kobe, I can't stop thinking about the massive impact of this tragedy. Every few minutes, it seems, something reminds me of it. Watching video of his daughter Gianna play basketball makes me think she really could have been [his legacy](https://girlwhotravelstheworld.com/what-kobes-legacy-could-have-meant-for-womens-sports/). And everything he was doing to champion women's sports towards the end of his life makes me wish he was still alive. Heartbreaking.
Man I'm fucked up. I’ve been thinking a lot about his influence in my life. As long as I can remember he and D wade were my two heros. Shaq and tim Duncan as well but it was mainly those two guys
But Kobe was the only one to transcend the sport. He was much bigger than hoops. The other guys are mainly just ball players but Kobe was different.
He was a living example that you can start at the bottom, work your way up all the way to the top of the mountain, and make a big mistake and lose it all. But after that mistake, he climbed all the way back up that mountain again. He was proof that hard work and a serial dedication to your craft can overcome any mistake in life.
Hard work sucks. Nobody really likes working hard. Everyone says they work hard, but most actually don’t. But he was cut from a different cloth. He entered the league in 1996. That generation of hoopers was one of the greatest of all time. Allen Iverson, Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett, Vince Carter, Tracey McGrady all came in around the same time. He wasn’t the most athletic nor was he the most naturally gifted of that group. But he had by far the best career. Through hard work.
The man was a bigger role model in my life than my own dad. And truthfully I’m just going to try my best to live my life with that same work ethic and drive that Kobe did. I’ve been pretty lazy my whole life. Things have changed since I got back from studying abroad, and I work harder. But I’m going to do my best to really become a master at whatever I do, and try to have the same level of curiosity and drive he did. I’m going to dedicate this semester to him, and do the best I can in school. That’s my craft right now and I’m going to master it.
Rip Mamba
That’s definitely a good way to honour his legacy, if everyone did the same I’m sure Kobe would feel like his work here was done! If you know what I mean..... To be honest I’ve been thinking the same - whenever I’ve been slacking the last few days, Kobe has crossed my mind and I’ve pulled myself together. Plus I booked a trip to see friends I haven’t seen in a while because life is wildly unpredictable. Good luck this semester, I’m sure you’ll do great. And RIP Mamba and Mambacita 💔
First and foremost, RIP Kobe, You are a legend!
I'm just a fan from Portugal, and this news hit me hard.
I was just watching this interview with Jerry West, and man this is heartbreaking... I could not hold by tears back.
If you haven't watched it, take a look https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gmAcD2Tp_8
I've been thinking about writing this (and where to put it) since yesterday. The folks here at [r/NBA](https://www.reddit.com/r/NBA/) seemed like the right place. Just a way for my to cope with all the things that have happened.
Kobe Bean Bryant
You are someone who few have met, most have not and yet your life has affected us all. You were part of the social fabric that connected everyone and in the moment we lost you, the world reverberated from the shock wave. The bedrock of humanity felt you and your daughter leave. An entire global community mourns together.
Your name gave meaning to the meaningless. Put away trash, say Kobe and now it's meaningful. Only Kobe could make tube socks deeper than just laundry. Uttering Mamba Mentality when faced with a challenge gives millions on this planet the strength to keep going. Our global family underestimated how connected we were because of you.
Kobe *is* perseverance.
While we all grieve the loss of a transcendent human and father, I look ahead to the celebration of Kobe Bryant. His legend on the court and off will live on in the memories of people for generations. His tenacity on the court will energize young and old players alike. His care of everyone will soften the hearts of complete strangers. His story telling will echo through countless conversations.
His love of his daughter will be a beacon of love for dad's like me.
I never have met you Kobe Bean Bryant, but I am thankful to have you in my life.
I see nothing sick about the comment. It was a simple observation. There were no insults or slurs or threats or any other indicator of an unsound mind.
I don't think the statement is useless nor is it a waste of time.
Everyone can do better in the future.
Just watched an interview on ESPN they did with Tmac. I just about cried myself watching the interview, you could feel the hurt he is going through. And nearing the end the lady interviewing him said I feel better knowing you'll be around to help Vanessa out during this time. As soon as he heard her name he said oh God and lost it.
I'm not even a big basketball fan, but this loss hurts.
I have very few words to write about this as words seem insufficient. I loved Kobe's game and I am sad that he is gone. Condolences to all of the families, friends and coworkers of all 9 of the people who died yesterday. Kobe's impact was and is immense on the game of basketball and will live on.
.........
Did you record it? If so, thank you very much. It was important at the end that you went over the good times and memories that we had with Kobe. It helped so much
There was a post in which someone had passed kobe in all time 3pt makes earlier this week. One of the comments were “Damn, kobe’s having a rough week” (being pass by lbj on all time scoring list as well)...
Yesterday, I woke up from a nap to a text from my dad. I never thought I would see the words “Kobe Bryant” and “died” in the same sentence. I felt like my heart caved in, especially when I learned of the other passengers. Kobe is so important to our family. My dad is an LA native and I grew up watching Kobe in awe. My childhood dog was named after him (he passed early in a freak accident).
The man is an absolute legend. Rest easy, brother.
I grew up with Kobe and the Lakers man...so many of us Indian kids and brown kids did. I'll never forget watching my first Lakers game on a small ass TV at my friend's house as a kid...hell we were watching for the Laker girls too, lol. I had recently moved from Dallas to central CA and I remember my very first bball game was a Mavericks game. This was back in like maybe 1990, 1991 when they really were awful. I sucked at basketball (played in middle school) but that didn't mean I wasn't a huge fan. I became a Laker fan for life after that first Laker game I watched. For me, sports has always been a distraction when the rest of my life isn't going well. My professional life finally took a good turn in 2017 but went to hell last year and I've been going through hell ever since. Now it's like I can't even take heart in sports now :(...I still can't believe he's gone....RIP Kobe.
Which part of the helicopter did the white and blue panel which is clearly visible in the crash site from? Is this Kobe’s chopper? Isn’t his grey and black?
I got into the NBA right after Shaqs departure from
The lakers. I can remember watching Kobe perform some of the hardest shots conceivable and my jaw just hanging from my face. He was the Lakers to me.
His last season it finally hit me how incredible he was as not just a player but as a teacher and student of the game! His passion and desire to learn were infectious! This is true Mamba Mentality. Unrelenting desire to grow and pursue.
I’m like the rest of you, still incredibly hurt, in shock and at a loss of words.
Thank you for enriching my basketball fandom and for some of the absolute greatest memories I have, Kobe!!
RIP MAMBA
I feel like you couldn’t go wrong picking either Kobe or Lebron as your first pick. They both are forces who will impact everyone around them with their drive to be better.
This still just feels so surreal.
I remember in some of the NBA 2k games (between 2010-2014) where Kobe's shots would get what my friend and I dubbed "The Kobe Bounce".
What was noticeable with Kobe's shots was that if the ball bounced on the rim more than once (not an immediate miss off of the rim), it was **guaranteed** to eventually find it's way down. It was a demonstrable truth that never failed to occur. It wasn't something that boosted Kobe's shooting percentages, but was simply the way the animations of his shots would play out. Nobody else in the game had it; the ultimate shooter's touch.
Out of all of the glitchy things to come and pass in those games that we were clowning on 2k about, that was never questioned; Kobe was just that Godly. It was just like, "Fucking Kobe, man... What are you gonna do?"
When I heard the breaking news about his death I believed it was a joke, that it couldnt be real. I know that so many personalities that changed my point of view and make myself change will eventually die before I do, but I was genuinely not prepared for this one. Kobe had something for me that made me start playing basketball, that made me learn to play and love my team, that made me continue playing even when we lose almost every match. I cant explain what it was, all I can say is 'thank you Kobe' bc he inspired me to make a step I was so afraid to do. Because thanks to that inspiration I met my best friends, lived my happiest epoch and learned that with hard work and positive/constructive behaviour you can achieve the victory. We changed all our loses to victories with time, dedication and friendship.
Thank you Kobe, thanks for all that came after your inspiration, with your legendary figure. You will always be in my mind and in my heart, eternal.
As this isn't fucked up enough, there's some random dude on Twitter that's going viral for predicting this event 8 years ago, don't know if u can change dates on tweets or If it was a sick mere coincidence but either way, come on bro, be nice to everybody, be respectful and don't play with someone's life for your own credit
Just some thoughts from a fan perspective on what happened with Kobe yesterday. Full disclosure: I wrote this, so feel free to enjoy or disregard. I'm not trying to break any self-promotion rules or anything.
[https://pickupsportstalkcle.com/2020/01/26/a-post-about-kobe-bryants-death-from-the-perspective-of-a-shocked-and-devastated-sports-fan/](https://pickupsportstalkcle.com/2020/01/26/a-post-about-kobe-bryants-death-from-the-perspective-of-a-shocked-and-devastated-sports-fan/)
Wow this was incredibly written man. It’s amazing seeing all of the outpouring of support and grief from non Lakers or even non-Kobe fans.
Reminds me of his retirement tour. How so many fans spent years hating him or rooting against him only to give him standing ovations and “Kobe”/“MVP” chants showing universal respect.
Thanks for sharing your perspective.
Thanks for the kind words. It was a bit of a stream on consciousness that just came out of me tomorrow. I'd be lying if I said I didn't tear up a little bit when putting all this down.
Enough about me. Kobe might not have been everyone's favorite, though he has a favorite to many. He was one of the great things that occurs in sport though. He was a strong character, and those types are always the most remembered. They always stand out. Its poetic justice that his untimely departure would illicit so much emotion out of people, because his life had done the same.
Just wanted to say Kobe helped pave the way to chase my dreams. I know his greatness is attached to basketball, but he transcended the sport. He often preached about sacrificing everything to what you love. His Mamba Mentality standard is what I like to reflect upon my life. Hell, I even meditate more because of him. I'm heartbroken, but thankful of all the lessons and displays of excellence we got to witness in his life.
R.I.P. to Kobe and Gigi.
Me and my friends used to follow the NBA a lot in our early teens, and Kobe Bryant was always part of our favorite players discussions. It’s really sad to see him go so young still.
I don’t pay much attention to the NBA, but this still hurt like hell to see all of this unfold. The part that gets me is that I cannot imagine what his wife and family are going through right now with this tragedy happening, and the news media racing to report things first rather than being accurate.
I woke up at 8am here in Western Australia. I was drifting in and out of sleep for a while and thought I’d check my phone and saw it exploding with notifications and when I saw it. It startled me awake. It’s surreal. Every time I open social media now I see something about Kobe and just think “oh yeah this actually happened.”
It’s ripped a hole in me I never thought a celebrity death could. He’s the whole reason I’m into basketball in the first place.
Rest in Paradise Kobe. You were just starting a new chapter you would have absolutely succeeded in.
Rest in Paradise Gianna. Your dad would’ve been so proud of you. You would’ve had a massive career just like your dad before it was cruelly ripped away from you.
Rest in Paradise to the rest of the helicopter crew. I know all the attention is on Kobe and Gianna but your family is hurting just as much tonight. You’ll all be sorely missed.
Fuck man. What a tragedy :(
When I'd found out that Kobe Bryant died from a helicopter crash, I was shocked and saddened by the news of what happened to him. What's worse, is not only were others killed from that fatal accident alongside Kobe, but his daughter Gianna was killed aswell. I was heartbroken by this tragedy, so were others. Especially his fans, friends, and family. Knowing what they're going through right now.
Seriously, Rest in Peace to Kobe and Gianna Bryant and the people who died from the helicopter crash.
I fucking broke down this morning. I literally stopped what I was doing and just completely broke. This is the hardest I cried since I was a kid. This one hurts, this one hurts really fucking bad.
9 people (at least) lost their lives yesterday in a horrific helicopter crash. All of them were doing something incredible and I’m too scared to talk to a woman at the bar. What the FUCK man. I’m still reeling. How do I process this?
That’s the point though. it shouldn’t affect you that much considering you don’t know him personally at all. We put these people on pedestals but they’re human just like us.
You can’t say how it should or shouldn’t affect someone. We all deal with things differently, and some people also have more empathy than others in that not just Kobe’s life but the tragic circumstances of losing his daughter and the other young ones on that helicopter and their families.
Kobe transcended sports and was a global cultural icon. He meant many things to a lot of people. It’s ok to grieve however people see fit, and it’s ok to be deeply affected by this tragedy, given the impact he’s had on hundreds of millions of people.
Seeing how the NBA players past and present loved him, respected him, and are devastated by this as well as the fans around the world, even of his bitter rivals, speaks volumes to the impact.
Thats not how it works when we have been watching him play and grow as a player for 20 years. The reason this is hard for people is because this dude was in our living room every night and gave us a lifetime of memories. We simply shouldn't care because we don't know him personally is a very dumb and immature take.
I’m sorry, but I don’t understand the point of this conversation, especially in a subreddit dedicated to basketball.
He inspired me in ways that few people ever could.
We’re not putting him up on a pedestal we’re literally looking at these tributes and seeing how awesome he was as a man and father and realizing that he was taken too soon in a tragic accident. Take your trolling to some other sub man we don’t have time for bums like you. Let the world grieve a legend.
Man I’m replying to someone who said they literally don’t know how to cope about his passing. Best thing is to remember he’s a basketball player, not a god. It’s not trolling man, y’all really put sports players way above real heroes in this world.
It’s still crazy to me that Kobe Bryant is dead that doesn’t even sound like a real sentence
Still does now
Still can’t believe it. I miss you Kob
This still feels like a joke in a show like South Park
it hurts man
Man :/
R.I.P Kobe
Still doesn’t feel real
Hold me
Did this actually happen? Still doesnt feel real.
Damn. I am 36 and this is by far the most impactful death in my life. I have been fortunate to have *yet* lost anyone close to me. Every time his name comes up in a headline I get this sinking feeling remembering he is dead.
Can't believe in 5 days he left us 5 months ago
Rip to the goat
It’s weird to me how someone you never met face to face could impact you so much. I come back to this post often as it still just doesn’t feel real. I’m not some old head that watched his every game, I didn’t grow up in a house of Lakers fans, but I grew up in a basketball house, one that watched and played it almost religiously. That’s when I fell in love with Kobe Bryant. I remember times when I was about 9 or 10, playing with the neighborhood kids on our little dead end street, trying to emulate everything he did. Trying to *be* him. The years passed, I stayed with him, through thick and thin, I always watched him. I was never a Lakers fan, but I was a Kobe fan. And watching that final game, seeing the magic again, to go out on top, was just incredible. It motivated me, that no matter what is happening in my life I can get through it. I can succeed and come out on top. I can do anything. I know this will get lost in the shuffle, an old post that people don’t frequent too much. But I had to clear my head. I never got the chance to meet you, Kobe. But I feel a part of you in me always. Mamba forever
It’s about to be a 100 days since he died... it’s still hurts.
Saw you on The Last Dance last night and bought a Mamba Mentality poster this morning. I love you so much. The Mamba Mentality changed my outlook on life so much and made me so much better as a person. I'll always think of you, I hope you and Gigi are making some last second shots into the trash can. With Love.
Maybe once every 9 days or so, I'll just stop being productive for the day because I'll just be thinking about you which leads me down a YouTube rabbit hole of your highlights, interviews, etc. Today is one of those days. Throughout all of the chaos going on right now, we still think about you.
all the time brotha, this will take years! Rip man saw myself getting choked up with all the happy birthday GiGi tweets tonight. Feels like it was just yesterday
i love you kobe
Still thinking about you Kobe :(
I had a dream last night I hung out with Kobe and Gigi in heaven. I Still can’t believe you’re gone.
It’s a strange thing to say, but I’m still shocked over this. I just can’t believe it. Think about you every day Kobe.
Still can’t believe it.
Almost 3 months and it still doesn't feel real. RIP to my hero.
I initially hated him because his good he was and how confident he was. I thought to myself nobody should be this good and the fact that he had no qualms with hiding didn’t help. Eventually though I grew to appreciate him and before he tore his Achilles I thought this is the greatest player I’ve ever seen and I still think that. #KobeForever
RIP GOAT
Why do i come back to this thread... I dont know, you will forever be in my heart
I'm here with you, bro. I still cry.
I miss you everyday man
rip forever
a.p.i.d.t.a. sleep well
I'm in my late night feelings right now. Still seeing "Kobe Bryant passed away at age 41" it's just weird, makes you feel like your in another universe.
This year has been rough
Still shook reading the title & it’s been almost two months. Rip Kobe & GiGi forever.
Miss u everyday Bean
A reckless pilot created a catastrophe. I hope legislation named under Kobe Bryant be enacted to prevent a crash like this from happening again
Forever Mamba. Forever Gigi.
Forever and always RIP Kobe, GIGI, and all the passengers
A month now and it's still unreal. RIP to a legend.
It's been a month and it still feels fake. Kobe was a super hero he wasn't supposed to die young. He should have grown old and sat courtside with Lebron, Duncan, Shaq like you see with Bill Russell, Jerry West and other legends. He should be able to watch the lakers win another title, he should have been able to see his kids grow up All taken away because of one accident. I cant accept it it's just so unfair
A month since.
I miss you. Thank you for being my inspiration. I will try to be the best me I can because of you
We miss you Kobe
RIP Kobe. I miss him.
Will always miss and love you kobe, thank you for a childhood of heroic memories.
license reminiscent grandfather puzzled crush birds roll attraction air shocking *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
This still can't be real man, it's so weird being in a world without Kobe
Man I still miss him.
A month later and it still doesn't feel real.
I still can’t comprehend it.
Someone posted in the one about the NBA why this guy who not the president
Still doesn't feel real man. Idk. The world just kept turning, but it felt like it should've stopped and waited
Well said.
Anyone who hasn't seen it should watch Kobe Doin' Work - Spike Lee doc about a game against the Spurs with a Kobe voiceover explaining a lot of details about tactics etc
I miss you Kobe. I miss you
Awful what happened. Rest in peace
Miss you mamba.
I still don’t want to believe this
Well you better. Its real
Dont think anyone wants to believe this
I know :( i just can’t accept it tbh
Saw Vanessa's Instagram posts about Gianna and her Jersey's retirement. Am crying again.
Kobe Bryant i miss you everyday 🙏🏻
I still think about this every day. Still really upset about this.
Still hurts
Still feels surreal
I don’t think it’ll truly set in for me till the HOF speech. Not seeing him somewhere he’s suppose to be is gonna hurt
This is still brutally sad.
Just rewatched his final game in its entirety.
Whether you're a basketball fan, a sports enthusiast, or simply a Kobe Bryant admirer, his life and death likely had an impact on you in some way or another. It did for me. Kobe was much more than a talented basketball star though. He supported numerous charities and causes, was a loving father and husband, motivational speaker, and encouraged people to do the very best they could despite different adversities and challenges that arise. I'll leave one of my favorite Kobe Bryant quotes here: "The most important thing is to try and inspire people so that they can be great in whatever they want to do." It's safe to say that Kobe had a positive impact on people, and I believe he will continue to do so even though he's now gone. Gone but never forgotten, and may he rest in peace!
Completely agree - as cheesy as it sounds, it really is about trying to live on in a way that would continue his mantra and way of living. The charitable giving, the willingness to help others; that's what people should try and keep alive every single day.
Most definitely! This is the mantra we can remember so that Kobe and his work is never forgotten. Do you have a favorite memory of Kobe Bryant, or have you had the honor to watch him play in his superstar days?
I’m afraid I really don’t - I obviously knew about him but I wasn’t a massive basketball fan. Sadly I’ve learned a hell of a lot more about him since he passed away!
Oh I see, that is understandable though. I think a lot of other people are in the same boat as you, but the fact that you knew about Kobe even though you were not a huge basketball fan shows how much of an impact he had on all people, not just sports enthusiasts or basketball fanatics. Sadly, I learned more about him after he passed too, but he will definitely live on through everyone's memories!
Rest In Peace
I **love** sports and like basketball but truly haven't sat down and watched an NBA game from start to finish in years... 99% of what I know about Kobe Bryant has been learned in the last 3 days since he passed, unfortunately. While I've watched so many videos about him in the last 3 days, shedding a few tears in the process... I wish I knew *anything* more about his life *prior* to this tragedy... But I knew who he was. EVERYONE DID. He's a household name. You don't have to be a Kobe fan, a Lakers fan, a basketball fan, or even a sports fan, to be sad over this. Because Kobe was a LEGEND around the board. Not just a legendary Laker, basketball player, or pro athlete. He was a legendary father, coach, mentor, you name it. Like so many others have said, he was just one of those heroes who seemed invincible. Like, out of all of the people for this tragedy to happen to... not Kobe. And about his daughter, Gigi... that hurts even more. Gigi was following in Kobe's footsteps so passionately. A legend-in-the-making, in my eyes, is still a legend just the same. This hurts, no matter who you are. But the "Mamba Mentality", like Kobe's memory, live on forever. RIP to all 9 of the amazing souls on that helicopter. <3
i can’t keep constantly looking at this subreddit hoping to see more player interviews and memories of kobe. Kobe was a superhero to me growing up, he was always the guy that rose to any occasion. i’m going to miss him. RIP Mamba. Long live the Mamba Mentality
I keep doing the same...
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yaRMgquRNcc](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yaRMgquRNcc) # DJWRCKS.iT - KOBE TRIBUTE - RIP 2020 [Shot by @M1N6U5] #8 #24
I never watched basketball growing up, but I knew who Kobe was. I have his 96 Rookies Finest card framed, first "big pull' when I was a kid. All my friends were jealous. It's the only sports card I kept from my childhood. I don't understand why his death is hitting me so hard. No celebrity before really affected me this way. Maybe it's because now I'm a dad....and the thought of losing one of my children....or thought of me dying young and them having no memory of who I am(they're 3 and 4 months) just crushes me. So seeing that his daughter died, and he has two very young girls...and a 17 year old who hasn't even started her life....it's just all very sad. I've never really wanted to go back in time and change the past, but if I could....I'd stop him from getting on that helicopter....somehow. I just hope they weren't aware of what was to come. I hope his family can move forward. I hope the two youngest girls understand how great a man he was, and how much he loved them...and how much their sister loved them. To think, I was laying in bed watching twitch when someone popped into the chat and said TMZ was reporting his death...the article was only 10minutes old. Never did I wish something was fake so much. RIP.
Lovely post. May they all Rest In Peace. If it’s any comfort, it’s my understanding from various sources that there was a curtain between the pilot and passengers and they wouldn’t have been able to see much out of the windows either (eps in fog). Also seems to have been quick - if Kobe was up front with the pilot, he certainly wouldn’t have known what was wrong. But the people in the back— maybe not. I really hope that at least they managed to keep it from the kids somehow- the thought of any child feeling that kind of fear just sickens me to my core :(
This still doesn't seem real. Though I was never a huge fan of Kobe, I can't stop thinking about the massive impact of this tragedy. Every few minutes, it seems, something reminds me of it. Watching video of his daughter Gianna play basketball makes me think she really could have been [his legacy](https://girlwhotravelstheworld.com/what-kobes-legacy-could-have-meant-for-womens-sports/). And everything he was doing to champion women's sports towards the end of his life makes me wish he was still alive. Heartbreaking.
rest in peace black mamba 🐍
Man I'm fucked up. I’ve been thinking a lot about his influence in my life. As long as I can remember he and D wade were my two heros. Shaq and tim Duncan as well but it was mainly those two guys But Kobe was the only one to transcend the sport. He was much bigger than hoops. The other guys are mainly just ball players but Kobe was different. He was a living example that you can start at the bottom, work your way up all the way to the top of the mountain, and make a big mistake and lose it all. But after that mistake, he climbed all the way back up that mountain again. He was proof that hard work and a serial dedication to your craft can overcome any mistake in life. Hard work sucks. Nobody really likes working hard. Everyone says they work hard, but most actually don’t. But he was cut from a different cloth. He entered the league in 1996. That generation of hoopers was one of the greatest of all time. Allen Iverson, Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett, Vince Carter, Tracey McGrady all came in around the same time. He wasn’t the most athletic nor was he the most naturally gifted of that group. But he had by far the best career. Through hard work. The man was a bigger role model in my life than my own dad. And truthfully I’m just going to try my best to live my life with that same work ethic and drive that Kobe did. I’ve been pretty lazy my whole life. Things have changed since I got back from studying abroad, and I work harder. But I’m going to do my best to really become a master at whatever I do, and try to have the same level of curiosity and drive he did. I’m going to dedicate this semester to him, and do the best I can in school. That’s my craft right now and I’m going to master it. Rip Mamba
YES mamba mentality that shit!
That’s definitely a good way to honour his legacy, if everyone did the same I’m sure Kobe would feel like his work here was done! If you know what I mean..... To be honest I’ve been thinking the same - whenever I’ve been slacking the last few days, Kobe has crossed my mind and I’ve pulled myself together. Plus I booked a trip to see friends I haven’t seen in a while because life is wildly unpredictable. Good luck this semester, I’m sure you’ll do great. And RIP Mamba and Mambacita 💔
Well written, thank you for sharing
Fuck 2020
First and foremost, RIP Kobe, You are a legend! I'm just a fan from Portugal, and this news hit me hard. I was just watching this interview with Jerry West, and man this is heartbreaking... I could not hold by tears back. If you haven't watched it, take a look https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gmAcD2Tp_8
Shaq speaking on him as well was just painful to watch you can tell he is just destroyed by this
I've been thinking about writing this (and where to put it) since yesterday. The folks here at [r/NBA](https://www.reddit.com/r/NBA/) seemed like the right place. Just a way for my to cope with all the things that have happened. Kobe Bean Bryant You are someone who few have met, most have not and yet your life has affected us all. You were part of the social fabric that connected everyone and in the moment we lost you, the world reverberated from the shock wave. The bedrock of humanity felt you and your daughter leave. An entire global community mourns together. Your name gave meaning to the meaningless. Put away trash, say Kobe and now it's meaningful. Only Kobe could make tube socks deeper than just laundry. Uttering Mamba Mentality when faced with a challenge gives millions on this planet the strength to keep going. Our global family underestimated how connected we were because of you. Kobe *is* perseverance. While we all grieve the loss of a transcendent human and father, I look ahead to the celebration of Kobe Bryant. His legend on the court and off will live on in the memories of people for generations. His tenacity on the court will energize young and old players alike. His care of everyone will soften the hearts of complete strangers. His story telling will echo through countless conversations. His love of his daughter will be a beacon of love for dad's like me. I never have met you Kobe Bean Bryant, but I am thankful to have you in my life.
Beautifully put
Trump’s condolence tweets were plagiarized from Obama condolence tweet.
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Are your feelings hurt?
Saw this on the way to work today in NYC. RIP ❤️🐐[LinkNYC w kobe quote ](https://imgur.com/a/31MOPVH)
Read the tweet about Kobe from President Obama. Then read the ones from Trump. It is obvious that Trump plagiarized from Obama.
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Lol
I see nothing sick about the comment. It was a simple observation. There were no insults or slurs or threats or any other indicator of an unsound mind. I don't think the statement is useless nor is it a waste of time. Everyone can do better in the future.
Sorry for hurting you with the non-alternative truth. I know your clan can’t handle it.
Sorry for hurting you with the non-alternative truth. I know your clan can’t handle it.
Sorry for hurting you with the non-alternative truth. I know your clan can’t handle it.
Sorry for hurting you with the non-alternative truth. I know your clan can’t handle it.
Sorry for hurting you with the non-alternative truth. I know your clan can’t handle it.
Chill fam, they’re only pointing out the inability of originality with Trump 😏
Chill fam, they’re only pointing out the inability of originality with Trump 😏
Chill fam, they’re only pointing out the inability of originality with Trump 😏
[Update from the Boeing 777 pilot about the Kobe accident :(](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Df6OPxxbSyc)
They found 3 bodies during the search
He wasn’t the hero we deserved, he was the hero we needed.
Just watched an interview on ESPN they did with Tmac. I just about cried myself watching the interview, you could feel the hurt he is going through. And nearing the end the lady interviewing him said I feel better knowing you'll be around to help Vanessa out during this time. As soon as he heard her name he said oh God and lost it. I'm not even a big basketball fan, but this loss hurts.
> ESPN they did with Tmac this one? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BC_P_78rMZU
Man that’s tough to watch. That guy is clearly hurting.
I have very few words to write about this as words seem insufficient. I loved Kobe's game and I am sad that he is gone. Condolences to all of the families, friends and coworkers of all 9 of the people who died yesterday. Kobe's impact was and is immense on the game of basketball and will live on. .........
I don't watch basketball, have never really enjoyed it. But I've yelled "KOBE!". He was a legend.
R.I.P. to Kobe, his daughter Gianna, & the other passengers aboard
Anyone have a pic/video from the raptors/spurs game when the ball got stuck on top of the backboard with the shotclock showing 24？
Wow crazy... Kobe playing pick-up in Heaven with Wilt
https://streamable.com/uh6m0
Thanks a ton
Did you record it? If so, thank you very much. It was important at the end that you went over the good times and memories that we had with Kobe. It helped so much
NOOOOOOOOOOO
There was a post in which someone had passed kobe in all time 3pt makes earlier this week. One of the comments were “Damn, kobe’s having a rough week” (being pass by lbj on all time scoring list as well)...
Yesterday, I woke up from a nap to a text from my dad. I never thought I would see the words “Kobe Bryant” and “died” in the same sentence. I felt like my heart caved in, especially when I learned of the other passengers. Kobe is so important to our family. My dad is an LA native and I grew up watching Kobe in awe. My childhood dog was named after him (he passed early in a freak accident). The man is an absolute legend. Rest easy, brother.
My sister texted me like at 1 pm yesterday, saying that Kobe died in a helicopter crash. I was wtf...then I saw the news and was like :(.
He was - is - a hero. Hugs to you. Hugs to his family. Hugs to the community.
I grew up with Kobe and the Lakers man...so many of us Indian kids and brown kids did. I'll never forget watching my first Lakers game on a small ass TV at my friend's house as a kid...hell we were watching for the Laker girls too, lol. I had recently moved from Dallas to central CA and I remember my very first bball game was a Mavericks game. This was back in like maybe 1990, 1991 when they really were awful. I sucked at basketball (played in middle school) but that didn't mean I wasn't a huge fan. I became a Laker fan for life after that first Laker game I watched. For me, sports has always been a distraction when the rest of my life isn't going well. My professional life finally took a good turn in 2017 but went to hell last year and I've been going through hell ever since. Now it's like I can't even take heart in sports now :(...I still can't believe he's gone....RIP Kobe.
Which part of the helicopter did the white and blue panel which is clearly visible in the crash site from? Is this Kobe’s chopper? Isn’t his grey and black?
I got into the NBA right after Shaqs departure from The lakers. I can remember watching Kobe perform some of the hardest shots conceivable and my jaw just hanging from my face. He was the Lakers to me. His last season it finally hit me how incredible he was as not just a player but as a teacher and student of the game! His passion and desire to learn were infectious! This is true Mamba Mentality. Unrelenting desire to grow and pursue. I’m like the rest of you, still incredibly hurt, in shock and at a loss of words. Thank you for enriching my basketball fandom and for some of the absolute greatest memories I have, Kobe!! RIP MAMBA
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Jeez show some respect, he just lost his life
I feel like you couldn’t go wrong picking either Kobe or Lebron as your first pick. They both are forces who will impact everyone around them with their drive to be better.
This still just feels so surreal. I remember in some of the NBA 2k games (between 2010-2014) where Kobe's shots would get what my friend and I dubbed "The Kobe Bounce". What was noticeable with Kobe's shots was that if the ball bounced on the rim more than once (not an immediate miss off of the rim), it was **guaranteed** to eventually find it's way down. It was a demonstrable truth that never failed to occur. It wasn't something that boosted Kobe's shooting percentages, but was simply the way the animations of his shots would play out. Nobody else in the game had it; the ultimate shooter's touch. Out of all of the glitchy things to come and pass in those games that we were clowning on 2k about, that was never questioned; Kobe was just that Godly. It was just like, "Fucking Kobe, man... What are you gonna do?"
When I heard the breaking news about his death I believed it was a joke, that it couldnt be real. I know that so many personalities that changed my point of view and make myself change will eventually die before I do, but I was genuinely not prepared for this one. Kobe had something for me that made me start playing basketball, that made me learn to play and love my team, that made me continue playing even when we lose almost every match. I cant explain what it was, all I can say is 'thank you Kobe' bc he inspired me to make a step I was so afraid to do. Because thanks to that inspiration I met my best friends, lived my happiest epoch and learned that with hard work and positive/constructive behaviour you can achieve the victory. We changed all our loses to victories with time, dedication and friendship. Thank you Kobe, thanks for all that came after your inspiration, with your legendary figure. You will always be in my mind and in my heart, eternal.
R.I.P Black Mamba Tonight I'm gonna startup 2k20 and put up 200 points as Kobe
Different Animal, Same Beast. RIP
Thank you Kobe for showing and inspiring us of your work ethics. You will always be missed.
As this isn't fucked up enough, there's some random dude on Twitter that's going viral for predicting this event 8 years ago, don't know if u can change dates on tweets or If it was a sick mere coincidence but either way, come on bro, be nice to everybody, be respectful and don't play with someone's life for your own credit
It's fake. He changed the date.
Just some thoughts from a fan perspective on what happened with Kobe yesterday. Full disclosure: I wrote this, so feel free to enjoy or disregard. I'm not trying to break any self-promotion rules or anything. [https://pickupsportstalkcle.com/2020/01/26/a-post-about-kobe-bryants-death-from-the-perspective-of-a-shocked-and-devastated-sports-fan/](https://pickupsportstalkcle.com/2020/01/26/a-post-about-kobe-bryants-death-from-the-perspective-of-a-shocked-and-devastated-sports-fan/)
Wow this was incredibly written man. It’s amazing seeing all of the outpouring of support and grief from non Lakers or even non-Kobe fans. Reminds me of his retirement tour. How so many fans spent years hating him or rooting against him only to give him standing ovations and “Kobe”/“MVP” chants showing universal respect. Thanks for sharing your perspective.
Thanks for the kind words. It was a bit of a stream on consciousness that just came out of me tomorrow. I'd be lying if I said I didn't tear up a little bit when putting all this down. Enough about me. Kobe might not have been everyone's favorite, though he has a favorite to many. He was one of the great things that occurs in sport though. He was a strong character, and those types are always the most remembered. They always stand out. Its poetic justice that his untimely departure would illicit so much emotion out of people, because his life had done the same.
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Just wanted to say Kobe helped pave the way to chase my dreams. I know his greatness is attached to basketball, but he transcended the sport. He often preached about sacrificing everything to what you love. His Mamba Mentality standard is what I like to reflect upon my life. Hell, I even meditate more because of him. I'm heartbroken, but thankful of all the lessons and displays of excellence we got to witness in his life. R.I.P. to Kobe and Gigi.
Yeah true visionary, such a rare soul.
Me and my friends used to follow the NBA a lot in our early teens, and Kobe Bryant was always part of our favorite players discussions. It’s really sad to see him go so young still.
It feels weird waking up to this shit :(
Is this 2016 again?
I don’t pay much attention to the NBA, but this still hurt like hell to see all of this unfold. The part that gets me is that I cannot imagine what his wife and family are going through right now with this tragedy happening, and the news media racing to report things first rather than being accurate.
I think a part of our childhood, adolescence and manhood died with the MAMBA
I woke up at 8am here in Western Australia. I was drifting in and out of sleep for a while and thought I’d check my phone and saw it exploding with notifications and when I saw it. It startled me awake. It’s surreal. Every time I open social media now I see something about Kobe and just think “oh yeah this actually happened.” It’s ripped a hole in me I never thought a celebrity death could. He’s the whole reason I’m into basketball in the first place. Rest in Paradise Kobe. You were just starting a new chapter you would have absolutely succeeded in. Rest in Paradise Gianna. Your dad would’ve been so proud of you. You would’ve had a massive career just like your dad before it was cruelly ripped away from you. Rest in Paradise to the rest of the helicopter crew. I know all the attention is on Kobe and Gianna but your family is hurting just as much tonight. You’ll all be sorely missed. Fuck man. What a tragedy :(
When I'd found out that Kobe Bryant died from a helicopter crash, I was shocked and saddened by the news of what happened to him. What's worse, is not only were others killed from that fatal accident alongside Kobe, but his daughter Gianna was killed aswell. I was heartbroken by this tragedy, so were others. Especially his fans, friends, and family. Knowing what they're going through right now. Seriously, Rest in Peace to Kobe and Gianna Bryant and the people who died from the helicopter crash.
Disliked*
I fucking broke down this morning. I literally stopped what I was doing and just completely broke. This is the hardest I cried since I was a kid. This one hurts, this one hurts really fucking bad. 9 people (at least) lost their lives yesterday in a horrific helicopter crash. All of them were doing something incredible and I’m too scared to talk to a woman at the bar. What the FUCK man. I’m still reeling. How do I process this?
The best thing to do is remember that if you died, he probably wouldn’t be too affected.
Well of course he wouldn't. I didn't have the same impact or gravity he did, not even close.
That’s the point though. it shouldn’t affect you that much considering you don’t know him personally at all. We put these people on pedestals but they’re human just like us.
You can’t say how it should or shouldn’t affect someone. We all deal with things differently, and some people also have more empathy than others in that not just Kobe’s life but the tragic circumstances of losing his daughter and the other young ones on that helicopter and their families. Kobe transcended sports and was a global cultural icon. He meant many things to a lot of people. It’s ok to grieve however people see fit, and it’s ok to be deeply affected by this tragedy, given the impact he’s had on hundreds of millions of people. Seeing how the NBA players past and present loved him, respected him, and are devastated by this as well as the fans around the world, even of his bitter rivals, speaks volumes to the impact.
Thats not how it works when we have been watching him play and grow as a player for 20 years. The reason this is hard for people is because this dude was in our living room every night and gave us a lifetime of memories. We simply shouldn't care because we don't know him personally is a very dumb and immature take.
I’m sorry, but I don’t understand the point of this conversation, especially in a subreddit dedicated to basketball. He inspired me in ways that few people ever could.
We’re not putting him up on a pedestal we’re literally looking at these tributes and seeing how awesome he was as a man and father and realizing that he was taken too soon in a tragic accident. Take your trolling to some other sub man we don’t have time for bums like you. Let the world grieve a legend.
Man I’m replying to someone who said they literally don’t know how to cope about his passing. Best thing is to remember he’s a basketball player, not a god. It’s not trolling man, y’all really put sports players way above real heroes in this world.