Why Kobe Bryant’s Legacy Will Never Fade Away

Kobe Bryant had closed his career with 33,643 points in the regular season, which had put him at No. 3 behind NBA's scoring leaders Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (38,387) and Karl Malone (36,928) until the Lakers’ LeBron James surpassed on Saturday night in Philadelphia.

A boy with a basketball walks past a wall painted for former Los Angeles Lakers basketball player Kobe Bryant, following his death overnight in the US, in Manila on January 27, 2020. (Photo by AFP)

Kobe Bryant was one of those decorated athletes who revolutionized the game of basketball across the globe. As the world woke up with shock and disbelief to the news of his untimely and tragic death, hundreds of ‘Black Mamba’ fans rushed to the site where his helicopter had come crashing down in Calabasas, California. Most knew Kobe for his gentlemanly behaviour off the court whereas inside he was the most suave and fiercest competitor at the same time, being second to none. Possessing the gravitas to never give up, Kobe truly had a fairytale ending to his illustrious career bucketing 60 points in his farewell game against the Utaz Jazz in April, 2016. Kobe Bryant was not just an inspiring athlete; he was a doting father and a teacher who continued to impart skills to youngsters. Some say he was a polyglot having a magisterial command over several languages apart from English. Bryant had Italian roots reason why he and his wife Vanessa Laine Bryant named their four daughters: Gianna Maria-Onore, Natalia Diamante, Bianka Bella and Capri. 13-year-old Gianna, known as Gigi, died alongside her father in the chopper crash. The Olympic gold medallist was 13th overall pick in the 1996 NBA. draft and little did the world know that he would trek up the NBA ladders to become one of the all - time greats to bestride the court. Visuals From The Crash Site Where Kobe Bryant Died Kobe was the son of the former N.B.A. player Joe “Jellybean” Bryant. He had 18 All-Star selections, a regular-season Most Valuable Player Award in 2008 and two N.B.A. finals M.V.P. awards along with five championship titles. The legendary basketball player was entangled in a sexual assault allegation against him in 2003 but his popularity as a player didn’t diminish one bit and was always considered as a humble human being, wearing a dazzling smile on his face. He often turned up for the Lakers’ game to give some courtside advice to the players. Kobe along with Hall of Fame center Shaquille O’Neal both have left a legacy which the current squad led by Lebron James may find tremendously difficult to cross over. Fans Pay Heartfelt Tribute To NBA Legend Kobe Bryant Outside Staples Center In LA The jersey numbers he wore over two 10-season stretches: No. 8 and No. 24 have been retired by Los Angeles Lakers. Kobe may not have visited India but his commitment to the game will always be etched into the minds of his fans out here. He closed his career with 33,643 points in the regular season, which had put him at No. 3 behind NBA's scoring leaders Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (38,387) and Karl Malone (36,928) until the Lakers’ LeBron James surpassed on Saturday night in Philadelphia. Kobe was the G.O.A.T of his generation and his legacy will definitely live forever. The writer works as a Senior Producer (Digital) with ABP News. He can be reached at dheerajc@abpnews.in