By: Normeze Rivera, Jessica Strimpel, and Anayah Flowers
January 31, 2020
Kobe Bryant lived a very honorable life with tremendous accomplishments in the world of professional basketball.
Unfortunately, his life tragically ended on January 26, 2020, in an unexpected helicopter crash in which nine people died, including Bryant’s 13-year-old daughter, Gianna.
In an earlier interview with The Washington Post, Bryant said this about his daughter Gianna: “On my hip from the day she was born until now, my second one, she’ll never leave my side. Never. She’s just always right there. Always, every picture.”
Bryant was drafted directly into the NBA right after high school at the age of 17. Kobe won 5 championships, had 18 All-Star Game appearances, 4 All-Star Game MVP awards, 2 NBA Finals MVP Awards, and a singular regular-season MVP award.
Kobe also had two Olympic gold medals as well.
His last game was in April of 2016, a 60-point farewell game in which both of his numbers were retired, 8 and 24.
He finished his career with 33,643 points.
Bryant’s accomplishments branched further than sports when his short film, “Dear Basketball” won an Oscar for Best Animated Short Film. It was created based on a poem written by Bryant in 2015 and served as his announcement of retirement from his legendary basketball career.
Not only was Bryant a very significant figure in the NBA, but he also was an outstanding father to his four daughters. He prided himself in protecting and caring for his family at all times.
Reporter, Elle Duncan, said when meeting Bryant, he instantly started talking about her baby bump and said, “Just be grateful you’ve been given that gift; girls are amazing.”
When asked how Bryant felt about having more girls, he said: “I would have five more girls if I could..I’m a girl dad. I love the challenge of raising women.”
Kobe Bryant’s legacy as a father, NBA legend, Olympic gold medalist, and Oscar-winner has impacted the world greatly, and he will forever be remembered.
Kobe and Gianna Bryant will be missed dearly.
THE RETURN OF THE EYE 