The 41-year-old Basketball legend, Kobe Bryant, who left for his heavenly abode on January 26, once said, “I don't want to be the next Michael Jordan, I only want to be Kobe Bryant.” And the overwhelming part is, he did manage to achieve what he aspired. The day he bid adieu to the world, every true Basketball fan got emotional and wanted the incident to be a mere nightmare.
The Basket Ball legend who rose to fame right after his high-school and had an illuminating 20-year-long career playing for the Los Angeles Lakers was one of the nine passengers who lost their lives in a Helicopter crash near Los Angeles on Sunday. He was accompanied by his 13-year-old daughter, who also passed away in the crash. Let’s take a look at the amazing journey of one of the greatest basketball players, who might have surely said goodbye to the world, but his game & spirit will always be there.
The Journey from High-School to Being a Legend
Bryant belonged to a family with a professional Basketball background and decided to follow the same path as his father at a very young age. He started playing basketball at 3-year-old and then, there was no stopping for him. From early childhood to middle school and then high-school his passion for the game increased drastically and he decided to be a professional. He acclaimed high-recognition as a national player during his high-school and entered professional Basketball directly from there.
He had always been on a record-breaking spree in his 20-year-long career where he played as a shooting guard for the Lakers. Vividly known for his 5 championship titles, he was adjudged All-Star a total of 18-times, and the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) in the year 2008.
From often playing with injuries to ruling the points table, Bryant was known for his dedication, passion and professionalism towards the game.
The world has been crying over the sudden departure of the legendary soul, and no sportsperson, politician or other famous personality has refrained themselves from expressing their feelings. A lot of people took to their social media handles to pay emotional tributes to the player and express their grief.
The Cries Continue
Indian cricketer Rohit Sharma posted, "Sad day for the sporting world today. One of the greats of the game gone too soon. Rest in peace Kobe Bryant and his little daughter Gianna and the other victims"
Indian men's cricket team skipper, Virat Kohli took his official Instagram account and posted, "Absolutely devastated to hear this news today. So many childhood memories of waking up early and watching this magician doing things on the court that I would be mesmerized by. Life is so unpredictable and fickle. His daughter Gianna passed away too in the crash. Iam absolutely Heartbroken. Rest in peace. Strength and condolences to the family 🙏"
