By Rahul Arora ‘23, Sports Writer

On January 26th, 2020, a helicopter crashed in Calabasas, California, killing everyone on board. That tragic day was difficult for all of those within the basketball community. Among those who had died were Kobe and Gianna Bryant. Their deaths shook many, especially their number-one supporter, Vanessa Bryant–Kobe’s loving wife, and Gianna’s mother. Three days after the incident, Vanessa finally spoke out about their deaths. She stated, “There aren’t enough words to describe our pain right now.” The toll that their deaths took on the Bryant family was unbearable, but the kind of love and support the rest of the world showed was enough to help the Bryants in their most vulnerable moments.

Born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Kobe Bryant took the world of basketball by storm. Kobe first signed with the Charlotte Hornets and became the second youngest NBA player in history. He was later traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in 1996 at only 17 years old. Qualifying for 18 All-Star Games and having 8 MVP awards, Bryant is likely to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Kobe’s big impact on the community resulted in many teams paying their respects by taking 8 and 24 second violations in their consequent games as Kobe’s jerseys were both 8 and 24. 

Several basketball stars spoke about the death of their teammate, mentor, and most of all, friend. When LeBron James spoke out about his friend’s death he wrote, “I’m heartbroken and devastated my brother!! Man I love you big bro.” On January 31, in a game against the Portland Trail Blazers, LeBron made an emotional speech about Kobe. He talked about family and how everyone in the arena is family because they are all grieving and helping each other out during these difficult times. Michael Jordan, a basketball legend, said, “He was like a little brother to me.” Some at NA never felt the impact of Kobe’s death until the day he was buried. Simon Pearl ‘23 said, “When I heard that Kobe died, I was sad because he meant a lot to people.” Kobe was someone who helped shape basketball into what it is today. He pushed, helped, and inspired players to continue striving for what they want. 

A worldwide community is paying its respects to Kobe in various forms. The first Italian basketball team that Kobe’s father played for retired Kobe’s jersey as a way of paying respects to the legend. In addition, the NFL paid its respects to Kobe before the start of the Super Bowl. Outside of the Staples Center, numerous fans brought roses, jerseys, and basketballs to honor him. Many said that the day Kobe died was a day when a piece of Los Angeles died, too. All of those who died in the crash were honored as well. Kobe’s daughter, Gianna, was set to continue her father’s legacy in basketball when this tragic incident occurred. Kobe inspired many to compete their hardest without worrying about the end result, and his influence in the basketball community will not be forgotten.