August 23 would’ve marked the 45th birthday of Kobe Bryant. Fans all over the world have been celebrating him in different ways this week. While some pay tribute to him through various acts, others are reliving some of his finest moments. The Black Mamba had a glorious career. But stepping away from the NBA court is certainly difficult for any seasoned pro. Bryant once recalled how he surprised himself during his transition into retirement.

Bryant featured on Complex several times. The magazine got his insight shortly after he retired from the NBA in 2016.

Kobe Bryant revealed a surreal experience for him

Back when Kobe was on the cover of Complex magazine, he revealed his ‘Forrest Gump’ moment. Based on Tom Hanks’ iconic movie, a Forrest Gump moment means considering our feelings at a certain time and calculating if we’re going to continue the course or chart a new one. Bryant’s such moments have resurfaced on the occasion of his 45th birthday.

When he was still an NBA player, his “How the hell did I get here” moment was during the 2008 Olympics. He was in the dining hall with his teammates from the Beijing Olympics, surrounded by famous athletes. That’s when Kobe realized he was one of them. He had made it.

Eight years after his Olympics stint, the Los Angeles Lakers legend would retire from the NBA in 2016. That same year, Speedy Marmon from the magazine asked him what is his new ‘Forrest Gump’ moment.

READ MORE: When Was Kobe Bryant’s Last Appearance for Team USA?

“Today it’s kind of sitting here wondering how I can be so at peace with not playing the game,” Bryant had said. He sounded surprised at himself as he continued, “If you asked me that question back then, there’s no way. I’ll always have that itch to go play, right? But I don’t.”

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The Black Mamba could look back on his legacy with no regrets. He had five NBA championship titles, was an 18-time All-Star, and a 15-time member of the All-NBA Team. The year he was in the Olympics, he was also named the NBA MVP.

However, his accolades didn’t always provide him comfort when considering the prospect of retirement.

Kobe previously feared retiring

The superstar athlete and his daughter, Gianna, tragically passed away in a helicopter crash in 2020. On August 23, the world celebrated Kobe Bryant’s 45th birthday.  Fans paid tribute to Bryant with several gestures. They mostly remember his spectacular NBA career.

Any athlete like Bryant would find it difficult to step away. He said that the NBA becomes a big part of the player’s life and leaving it feels like the end. But he had learned to accept it. As The Black Mamba put it, “You gotta wonder how did I get to this point?”

He said, explaining his ‘Forrest Gump’ moment, “And it’s a great place to be. Because as a retired athlete, the last thing you want is still have that burning desire to go out there and play.” 

This is another one of Kobe Bryant’s signature charismatic moments. What would you say is your Kobe-related ‘Forrest Gump’ moment?

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