Whether a fan of basketball or not many know some of the bigger names to the sport like Michael Jordan, LeBron James, or Shaquille O’Neal. On January 26, 2020, basketball lost one of those memorable basketball players, Kobe Bryant. Since Bryant’s passing many tributes have been made on his behalf including retiring his jersey number and his induction into the NBA Hall of Fame. His wife, Vanessa Laine Bryant, accepted his induction into the NBA Hall of Fame on May 15, 2021. Another tribute to Bryant was making August 24 Kobe Bryant Day, because of the numbers he wore while playing the game, 8 and 24.
Bryant did a lot on and off the court. Bryant granted over 200 hundred wishes through the Make-A-Wish Foundation for youths that have terminal illnesses. He was also a major part of helping the homeless in Los Angeles and became a national ambassador for After School Allstars in 2007. Since his passing the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation, which helps underserved and female athletes, was opened in recognition of Bryant and his daughter.
On the court, Bryant was making records in the NBA by becoming the youngest to win the slam dunk contest during the NBA All-Star Weekend at the age of 18. At 19, Bryant scored 18 points against the famed Michael Jordan in his first All-Star game and at 21 he won his first championship. Bryant ended his 20-year career in the NBA with five championship wins and 18 All-Star games.
Sara Collins
Reporter