Photo: Business Insider
By: DeDrick Allen Kobe has always been a motivator for many people. Kids would throw trash away and scream “Kobe” as if shooting a jumper such as he would. Songs have been made, jerseys have been sold, and shoes have been created, all to honor Kobe’s legacy as one of the greatest Lakers and NBA players to ever step foot on the court. Kobe is and always will be an idol to many around the world, especially me. His hard work and dedication to the game of basketball is what separated him from other players. Kobe never backed down from a challenge and if he didn’t overcome that challenge the first time, he would work to improve himself and overcome it the next time it arose. As a kid, I never really cared much for basketball. I was a football player, but I always loved Kobe. He was my inspiration, he was the reason I pushed myself to be the best player on the field whenever I had a game. I’d listen to his interviews, I’d watch his highlights, and I’d pay attention to every little thing he did on the court. I could see and feel every emotion he had throughout each and every game he played. I learned how to be angry and take it out in the game rather than on the person who made me angry because of Kobe. He always had a killer mentality which I felt I needed to adopt if I ever wanted to be great like he was. I finally got into the sport of basketball and all I can remember is mimicking everything Kobe did from his free throw to his jumper. I admire Kobe and my biggest goal has always been to become a Laker and Kobe supporting me at my game, sitting courtside, as he did for Lebron James. When I heard the news Sunday afternoon, my heart sank. I didn’t want to believe it was true and I still can’t fathom the thought of my idol, my inspiration, being gone. It hurt me more to know his thirteen year old daughter, Gianna (Gigi), also passed in the crash. She took after Kobe and was on the same path her father was on. She was so young and had so much potential and, in my opinion, she was going to be great just as he was. It’s heartbreaking to think he’s really gone. Of course, his legacy will never die, but to think he will never be on this earth again, I just can’t stomach a world without him in it. Kobe will forever be my inspiration and my idol. My love for Kobe will never fade, no matter how many years go by. A legend is gone, but will never be forgotten. We love you, Kobe. Rest in peace.
2 Comments
Aaron Mascaro
2/1/2020 08:22:31 pm
DeDrick, this is a heartfelt and well-written article. It was a hard week on many levels. I was the opposite of you -- I was not a Kobe fan. I didn't grow up with an NBA team in my home city. I grew up in the Jordan era so he could never be replaced. And there were some things about Kobe that I just did not like as I saw his life and career play out. But... through his death I have come to a much greater appreciation for not only his talent and who he was, but who he became. I learned about the hard work he put in to be a better husband, and obviously he was a great dad to his four girls. Most of all, I learned of his Catholic faith and that he had a desire to be Confirmed. Kobe wasn't a finished product, just like all of his, but he had an honest heart to own his failures and a tenacious heart to be the best he could be at basketball, his family, and his artistic craft after his career was over. Thanks for your thoughts! See you later!
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Aaron Mascaro
2/1/2020 09:03:32 pm
*Just like all of us* not his
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