The NBA fraternity lost some of its gems too early. The five-time NBA All-star Pete Maravich passed away in 1988 at 40. Then we lost Croatian Drazen Petrovic (28) and American All-star Reggie Lewis (27), both in 1993. And now, in the year 2020, we lost yet another legend, Kobe Bryant (41). 

He retired in the year 2016 when he was 37. He had a lot to give back to the game of Basketball and to the society at large. When we lose such personalities, it’s never a personal loss for a handful of people or some millions of fans. In fact, it is a worldwide loss even for those who never watched a game of Basketball. Kobe with his visionary mind and a knack for philanthropy would have done so much had he not gone too early.

His proud wife, Vanessa Bryant, has penned down a page-long heartfelt message to pay tribute to her late husband on his 42nd birthday.

Vanessa Bryant has written something deeply emotional for Kobe Bryant

When Kobe and Vanessa first met, the NBA phenomenon was just 20-YO while Vanessa was a 17-YO teenager. Just two years after meeting in 1999 (when Kobe was yet to become an NBA Champion), the couple got married in 2001. They went through several rough patches in all those years, which is perfectly normal but never left each other’s back. The 18-year marriage that gave them four beautiful daughters came to a tragic end. 

Vanessa remembered it when she wrote on her Insta post, “I miss your big hugs, your kisses, your smile, your loud @** big laugh.” Then she went on to explain how her life has totally transformed after the loss of Kobe and Gianna Bryant. She penned, “Our lives feel so empty without you and Gigi. I’ve been completely broken inside.”

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But the toughest part to read in her letter came later. In a heartbreaking quote, she expressed, “I’m mad I didn’t go first. I always wanted to go first so that I selfishly didn’t have to feel this heartache. You were supposed to miss me. Gigi was always supposed to be here with her sisters. There’s so much I wish I could tell you and show you and Gigi.” These lines can bring tears to anyone. This just showed how much she respected and adored the magical presence of The Black Mamba in her life. Almost like being part of a fairy-tale that had an unpopular end.

Even Nike released a video on his birthday, with a voice-over from a very popular rapper, Kendrick Lamar.

The Los Angeles Lakers to pay tribute to their ‘best-ever’

Yes, it is a fact that LeBron James surpassed Kobe’s all-time score record just one day prior to his sudden demise. But the 18-time All-star Kobe played his entire life for the Lakers and remained part of five NBA Champion teams. So he can be largely attributed as the ‘best ever’.

As luck would have it, the Lakers will play their game 4 against the Portland Trail Blazers on 8/24 (both the jersey numbers of Kobe). They will also wear “Black Mamba” uniforms and would stretch to win the game in the memory of their champion player. If they win, they will take a 3-1 lead in the NBA Playoffs 2020 round 1.

We hope to see LeBron James pulling some Kobe Bryant signature moves to close the memorable game. 

Read also – Kobe Bryant Residential Orange County Pays Unique Tribute to Late Lakers Legend