Bean

18x All-Star. 11x All-NBA First Team.

9x All-NBA Defensive First Team.

5x NBA Champion. 4x All-Star MVP.

2x Finals MVP. 2x scoring champion.

2008 MVP. 1997 Slam Dunk champion.

2x Olympic men’s basketball gold medalist.

Oh, and an Academy Award after retiring.

12 April 2013: Kobe tore his Achilles tendon.

He fell down. He got back up. The game paused.

The entire arena fell silent. Our jaws all dropped.

He insisted on leaving the bench to finish the play.

For his team. For the fans. For the love of the game.

With baby steps, he walked to the free throw line. Alone.

Down two. Sank both shots. Easy money. Tied the game.

For his team. For the fans. For the love of the game.

Just like practice. Before every game. After every game.

Fall down. Get back up. Whatever you start, you finish.

13 April 2016: his last dance. Home game. 60 points. W.

Mr. 81. Mr. He-Can’t-Guard-Me. Mr. Lake Show himself.

What else do you expect? Mamba Mentality. Kobe System.

Most of all, Kobe taught us all loyalty. Two decades strong.

Real ones are a dying breed. You bleed your colors forever.

Forum blue (purple) and gold. Philly prodigy. LA triple OG.

For my generation, Kobe Bryant is our own Michael Jordan.

For my generation, Kobe Bryant is the definition of GOAT.

For my generation, Kobe Bryant is every athlete’s Everest.

Is. Because legends will live forever.

Is. Because “champion” is permanent.

Is. Because true kings reign eternal.

Is. Because the game must continue.

Is. Because our hearts hold our heroes.

Buonanotte e sogni d’oro, signore capo. Vi siamo vicini mio re.

Grazie di tutto. Riposare in pace. Rest in power, Black Mamba.

RIP Kobe Bean Bryant (23 August 1978 — 26 January 2020)