Today marks the second death anniversary of one of the greatest athletes to ever grace us. Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna and 7 others lost their lives in a horrendous crash that left the world in shock on January 26th, 2020.
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Bryant’s unprecedented demise left everyone in a state of shock, and people are still not over it. Kobe’s legacy goes beyond his 5 rings and countless other accolades. Although there might be others who have won more than him, the impact and influence the Black Mamba had will remain unmatched.
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LOS ANGELES, CALIF. – JAN. 13, 2015. Lakers guard Kobe Bryant warms up before a game against the Miami Heat on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2015, at Staples Center in Los Angeles. (Photo by Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Kobe’s life and career
The Mamba Kobe Bryant was born in Philadelphia on August 23, 1978. He spent the majority of his childhood in Italy. Bryant’s father, Joe Bryant, is also a former NBA player who spent the latter part of his career in Italy.
Kobe played for the Lower Merion School, where he earned himself a name before even making his debut in the NBA. His numbers for Lower Merion made him the 13th overall pick in the 1996 draft. Kobe was drafted by the Charlotte Hornets before being traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, where he played the entirety of his career.
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He won 5 NBA championships with the Lakers during his 20 seasons with them. Moreover, he takes fourth place in the list of all-time points scored in the league.
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LOS ANGELES, CA. JAN. 04, 2015. Lakers’ #24 Kobe Bryant all smiles after an assist from teammate Carlos Boozer in a game vs the Pacers’ in the 1st half of the game at Staple Center in Los Angeles on Jan. 04, 2015. LA Lakers play the Indiana Pacers in a regular NBA season game. (Photo by Lawrence K. Ho/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Apart from his 5 rings, Bryant has numerous achievements to his name. He has been awarded the NBA Finals MVP award twice, has been in the NBA All-Star team 18 teams, and is also a two-time scoring champion.
Kobe Bryant has played 1346 games in the NBA. In which he has scored 33,643 points, 7,047 rebounds, and 6,306 assists. His average comes to 25.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.7 assists. (Source: NBA.com)
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The world reacts to two years of the passing of Kobe Bryant
Apart from his glittering career, the one thing which Kobe will be remembered for is his influence. He has left a mark everywhere he has been, whether it is the sporting or entertainment world.
As today marks the 2nd death anniversary of The Mamba, the world pours in its regards. Here are some of the reactions.
Shaquille O’Neal’s son writes a heartening message for Kobe.
🙏🏽🤞🏽❤️
Family is Forever 🖤
Forever Mamba! Miss you Kobe & Gigi! 💜💛💜💛
.@stephenasmith honors Kobe Bryant on the two-year anniversary of his death 🙏 "He's still with us. It's incredibly painful that he's gone. ... But you honor him in the best way you can by remembering what he brought to the table and remembering what he was all about."
T-Mac gets emotional as he remembers how special Gigi was and how Kobe Bryant never got the chance to see her grow. #MambaForever
A sad day thinking about the loss of a friend, a father, a husband, and one of the greatest. Remembering Kobe and his beautiful daughter Gigi, and thinking of the family and friends of all who lost their lives two years ago.
A devastating day two years ago today
#Opinion: Kobe Bryant was the touchstone and the icon for so many stars of the game today, kids who grew up idolizing him and mimicking him and wanting to be like him, writes @SmithRaps thestar.com/sports/basketb…
It was 2 years ago that we lost KOBE & his teenage daughter Gianna plus 7 others in a tragic accident . Hearts on this day goes out to Vanessa & his beautiful daughters . May God Bless them & May Kobe & Gianna RIP ! instagram.com/p/CZM6TUouFUc/…
Two years since Kobe passed, a year since Sekou passed. Hold those you love tight when you get the chance.
“Kobe was basically my everything.” —@DeMar_DeRozan
What is your favorite memory of Kobe Bryant? Let us know in the comments below.