Kobe Bryant: Death of an NBA Legend
Kobe Bryant was a fierce competitor on the basketball court and a devoted father, husband, son, Brother, and friend away from the court. The tragic news of his passing has left millions of people around the world in utter shock and disbelief. Thoughts and prayers go out to Bryant's family as well as the other families who lost loved ones in this calamity.
Kobe didn't become a NBA Legend by accident he was the epitome of hard work does pay off. When Bryant entered the NBA in 1996 nobody ever imagined he would become the player was. Bryant knew all along he was destined for greatness. Here is a famous quote from Bryant "The moment you give up is the moment you let someone else win." At the young age of 17 he started his illustrious career.
Fast forward to the night of June 26,1996 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. On this night with the 13th pick the Charlotte Hornets selected Kobe Bryant. Bryant was a 17 year high school graduate shooting guard out of Lower Marion High School Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Jerry West best known as the NBA logo was the general manager for the Los Angeles Lakers in 1996. He made a bold move that night that would transform the organization forever. West decided to trade starting center Vlade Divac for Kobe Bryant.
Kobe didn't attend college because he was blessed to be able to play the game of basketball exceptionally well and at a high level. Essentially his first four years in the NBA were the equivalent of attending college. For example, Bryant's rookie season the Lakers went 56-26 and loss in the 2nd round of the playoffs. During his second season the Lakers went 61-21 and loss in the 3rd round (conference finals). During Bryant's 3rd season the Lakers went 31-19 and loss in the 2nd round of the playoffs (conference semifinals). The 1999-2000 is when Kobe would see all of his hard work come to fruition. The Lakers won the NBA championship 4-2 against the Indiana Pacers. Just as a college senior receives their bachelors degree after four years; Bryant received his first NBA championship after four seasons.
Bryant played 20 seasons in the NBA all with the Los Angeles Lakers. Throughout his career he terrorized his peers by placing them on highlight posters which will last forever. Some of Kobe's career achievements include averaging 25.2 points per game, 18x all-star, 5x NBA champion, 2x NBA Finals MVP, 1x NBA MVP. Kobe Bryant's impact on the game of basketball and the world will never be forgotten. As the saying goes legends never die.
