The NBA has seen many superstars who give fans plenty of amazing moments. One such star is none other than the late, great Kobe Bryant. During his time as a Los Angeles Lakers, Bryant put forth fierceness and competitiveness against his opposition and won 5 titles for the Lakers. He’d even study his opponents and outwork them during training so as to have an edge in the game.
Watch What’s Trending Now!
His performances inspired many fans around the world to pick up the sport of basketball. Furthermore, he touched the lives of many after his retirement. He often gave advice to NBA and WNBA players, coached an AAU girls’ team, and wrote children’s books.
Clearly, his impact was widespread as he inspired lives outside the basketball community. One such person who was inspired was Naomi Osaka’s boyfriend and rapper, Cordae. In a recent interview, Cordae explained how it is important to let your idols know how much they mean to you.
Cordae on Kobe Bryant
In a recent episode of the ‘ALL THE SMOKE’ with Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson, Cordae explained the importance of showing gratitude to one’s idols for their positive effect on one’s life. In light, Cordae explained how he never got to tell Kobe how the latter inspired him.
“I got to meet Kobe a couple of times and it sucks that I never got to tell him, really, what he meant to me,” said Cordae.
Furthermore, Cordae explained that he would always play 2K with Kobe and try to score 80 points with the ‘Mamba’ in the game. Clearly, the rapper regretted not telling Kobe about how much he idolized him. It was because of this regret, that Cordae decided to inform Kanye about how he was inspired by his music.
In Conclusion
It is quite evident that Bryant had inspired several people in and out of basketball. For starters, NBA players like Devin Booker and Jayson Tatum looked at Kobe as a mentor and a guide. Added to this, Kobe also inspired several WNBA players like Sabrina Ionescu and Candace Parker.
Getty
Laker Kobe Bryant runs up the court in the 4th quarter against the Spurs to cheers in game 5 of the western conference finals at Staples Center, Thursday, May 29, 2008 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Outside of basketball, athletes like Naomi Osaka and celebrities such as Justin Bieber and Jonah Hill were given words of advice and encouragement from the ‘Mamba’. Clearly, Kobe’s impact was global. Although the NBA legend tragically passed away, the streets will never forget the ‘Mamba’ and his impact.
WATCH THIS SORY: When Will Ben Simmons Make His Season Debut for the Brooklyn Nets?