Kobe’s death still hurts in LA
LOS ANGELES—Fans of the late Kobe Bryant, who died a year ago to the day alongside his daughter and seven others when their helicopter crashed into a hillside near Los Angeles, honored the basketball legend on Tuesday in a city where the memory of his death is still fresh. The death of Bryant stunned the sports world and led to an outpouring of emotion in a city that has always adored him.
LOS ANGELES—Fans of the late Kobe Bryant, who died a year ago to the day alongside his daughter and seven others when their helicopter crashed into a hillside near Los Angeles, honored the basketball legend on Tuesday in a city where the memory of his death is still fresh.
The death of Bryant, who won five championships in his 20 seasons with the Lakers, stunned the sports world and led to an outpouring of emotion in the city, where the pain of his loss is matched only by the legacy he left behind.
Army Specialist Malcolm Marks first saw Kobe play when he was 9 years old and said the man nicknamed “Black Mamba” inspired him to not only take up the game but to strive for success in all aspects of life.
“Every day I try to have that Kobe mentality, that Mamba mentality,” he said while standing near the Staples Center arena.
“I live my life, work hard and I expect greatness. And I’ll keep striving,” he added.
The loss of Bryant’s 13-year-old daughter Gianna hit home for couple Miguel Fong and Tina Munos who are Los Angeles natives.
“I’m the same age as Kobe and we have daughters as well, so it affects us personally,” Fong said.
“It can end at any moment, you never know. Accidents happen, just like that morning one year ago. It was just an accident.
“But he is going to live on forever through his legacy,” Fong said.
Bryant’s passing inspired the Lakers, who last season won the National Basketball Association title to end a championship drought that stretched back to 2010, when Bryant won the Finals Most Valuable Player award.
Johnny Anderson, who built a large sign depicting Kobe and Gianna as angels, said higher forces were at work during the championship run.
“That was God to me,” he said. “That was supposed to happen. God brought that together.”
Bryant’s former Lakers teammate Pau Gasol was among those who tweeted their messages of remembrance.
“I miss you, hermano ... not a day goes by that you are not present in what I do,” the Spanish international wrote.
“Your spirit, your drive, your ambition, your love ... continues to shine in my life and in many others ... I hope you and Gigi are smiling down seeing how strong, sweet and amazing your girls are.”
Lakers legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson simply posted a picture of himself in Lakers uniform alongside Bryant.
“Kobe will always be my Lakers brother for life,” Johnson wrote.