Today is a very bittersweet day as a Kobe Bryant fan and a dedicated Lakers’ fan. Kobe Bryant played his final game of his long 20-year career in Staples’ Center against the Utah Jazz, last night. Other than the fact that he dropped 60 POINTS… There is so much I could talk about, being that I have been a fan and followed his career from the very beginning.
I will tell you what I WON’T talk about though. I will NOT make any comparisons to other legends/ current players or make any Top 10/ Top Whatever list. I am just going to talk about Kobe, his career and his influence on the game of basketball, the world, and his fans/ admirers. I hope that you guys enjoy this sentimental post of mine 🙂
Kobe Bryant’s Story
A simple little back story about Kobe Bean Bryant. He was born in Philadelphia, PA. When he was 6 years old his father (pro basketball player Joe “Jellybean” Bryant) left the NBA and moved the family to Italy to play out there. This is where Kobe really developed his passion for the game. In this unfamiliar place, basketball was his solace, and his grandfather would send him tapes of NBA games from back home.
In, 1991 when Kobe’s father retired from basketball, they moved back to the states where Kobe would end up playing basketball at Lower Marion High School and be recognized as the top high school player in the country. All of this leading to him making the decision to skip college and go straight to the NBA Draft . Kobe is the first guard to be taken directly out of high school. He would go as the 13th overall pick to the Charlotte Hornets who would trade him to the Lakers before even getting to put on a Charlotte jersey. So, yes, he has been a Laker his ENTIRE career.
Some of Kobe’s MANY Achievements throughout his career:
- 5× NBA champion (2000–2002, 2009–2010)
- 2× NBA Finals MVP (2009–2010)
- NBA Most Valuable Player (2008)
- 18× NBA All-Star (1998, 2000–2016)
- 4× NBA All-Star Game MVP (2002, 2007, 2009,2011)
- 11× All-NBA First Team (2002–2004, 2006–2013)
- 2× All-NBA Second Team (2000–2001)
- 2× All-NBA Third Team (1999, 2005)
- 9× NBA All-Defensive First Team (2000, 2003–2004,2006–2011)
- 3× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2001–2002,2012)
- 2× NBA scoring champion (2006–2007)
- NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion (1997)
- NBA All-Rookie Second Team (1997)
- Los Angeles Lakers all-time leading scorer
Kobe’s effect on the game was so much more than his awards and accolades, though. He has done so much outside of the game that he loves so much. Fans all over the world, including athletes from every sport, love and respect him. We have all watched him over the years and he has never ceased to amaze us. For those who didn’t care for Kobe, I can promise you that none of them can or will give you a REAL excuse as to why, at least nothing that makes sense. But love him or hate him, he made history and will always be considered one of the best to ever do it.
On November 29, 2015, Kobe officially announced his retirement. Personally, I saw it coming but didn’t want it to happen. All of the joy and excitement I had growing up watching him play, was coming to an end. I am still going to support the Lakers’ franchise (hopefully they get their shit together soon) but it won’t be the same without Kobe.
Kobe’s new Nike Commercial… Saw it last night & it’s Perfect! 🙂
Official: www.kobebryant.com and www.lakers.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/kobe
Twitter & Instagram @kobebryant and @lakers
I hope you enjoy your Retirement and get to enjoy more beautiful moments with your wife and precious daughters.
#ThankYouKobe
