Legends

Kobe Bryant

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By Miles Richardson

Kobe Bryant wasn’t just a superstar basketball player. He was a humanitarian. Basketball was simply the means Kobe used to inspire people. Every time Kobe stepped onto the basketball court, he lit a fire under every human soul that watched him play, averaging 25 points per game over his 20-year career.

Despite Kobe’s five NBA championships, he wasn’t just about winning, but also being the absolute best person he could be. He never made excuses or accepted any of life’s limitations, and through his work ethic, he managed to uplift millions. Kobe Bryant instilled in others the importance of having the “Mamba” mentality and made it clear that this wasn’t reserved for athletes, but for any human being on God’s green earth who had a dream.

After coming into the NBA as an underrated rookie, and rising to hall of fame status, capturing two NBA Finals MVPs, 18 all-star game selections, and becoming recognized as one of the top 10 greatest basketball players of all time, Kobe became a wellspring of motivation. Whether you were a kid from the inner city, a war veteran with an amputated limb, or a miserable person working a job you hated, Kobe made you believe that there was a better life for you. Kobe Bryant once said, “The most important thing is to try and inspire people so that they can be great at whatever they want to do.” Mission accomplished Kobe, rest up.

“I have self-doubt. I have insecurity. I have fear of failure. I have nights when I show up at the arena and I’m like, ‘My back hurts, my feet hurt, my knees hurt. I don’t have it. I just want to chill.’ We all have self-doubt. You don’t deny it, but you also don’t capitulate to it. You embrace it.”- Kobe Bryant