Kobe Bryant, 41, who tragically died in a helicopter accident, was known as the Laker legend who brought 5 NBA titles to Los Angeles. His 20-year career was filled with highlights, and he received tremendous respect for his one-of-a-kind work ethic. 

 

On January 26, 2020, Kobe Byrant and his 13-year old daughter, Gianna Bryant were both unfortunately 2 of 9 victims in a helicopter accident in Calabasas, California. The group was headed to the Mamba Sports Academy to take part in a basketball game.

 

Kobe’s death was sudden and due to his legacy and his legendary status a lot of people just couldn’t believe it. Staff and students mostly shared the same reaction to Kobe’s death.

 

            “I was sort of dumbfounded thinking that he was a relatively young guy with a lot left to give back to the basketball world. And you felt especially bad because if his daughter, who probably would have been a WNBA star, I think we overlook that”, said Richard Dube a math teacher and an assistant coach of the Triton basketball team

 

            “I thought it was a hoax…I googled it and realized he was actually dead,” said Joseph Galante, a math teacher at Triton High School. 

 

             As a basketball coach, Galante said he wasn’t really a fan of the way Kobe played. His style may have been a little too self-centered for Galante. But Galante did not take away from the good things Kobe brought to the table. “His competitive edge was probably the best thing about him,” said Galante, and this might very well be the popular opinion. Kobe was known for having no fear and didn’t back down from any challenge. 

 

            One iconic Kobe moment Galante mentioned was when he did not flinch when the opposing player(Matt Barnes)fake passed the ball towards his face. Although this moment may seem lowkey, it made Kobe feel even more like a superhero.

 

         Kobe influenced a whole generation of athletes, but he didn’t only use his basketball platform to influence athletes, he inspired many people and on and off the court. 

 

One thing Kobe was always known for was The Mamba Mentality. As said by Kobe Bryant himself “..That’s “mamba mentality” we don’t quit, we don’t cower, we don’t run. We endure and conquer. Stop feeling sorry for yourself, find the silver lining and get to work with the same belief, same drive, and same conviction as ever”.

 

 This mentality helped Kobe eventually be considered one of the greatest and millions of people saw his work pay off.“Mamba mentality baby, having that strive”, said Jayden Penrose, a student at Triton, when referring to Kobe’s impact on him as an athlete. Kobe’s work ethic is second to none and can probably never be quite replicated but it serves as an outline and inspiration for generations to come. 

 

“My granddaughter who was eight the other day said that Kobe was a legend, and I think that legends last forever.”, said Joanne Antico, a frequent sub at Triton. This really shows the impact Kobe had, someone who is eight years old who has never seen him hit the court knows how great of a player, father and human Kobe Bryant really was.