On January 26, 2020 Kobe Bryant his daughter Gianna and 7 others died in a helicopter crash.
Kobe was only 41 and considered the greatest basketball player of this era. Gianna only 13 was a rising basketball star who seemed destined hoops stardom.
To those like myself who not only watched Kobe on the court but followed Mamba Mentality there is only shock and disbelief. Like Ali Kobe was that man.
Kobe was like no other athlete I can remember. His love of basketball, winning and vigor for life was unparalleled. He didn’t have to mince words.
“The last time I was intimidated was when I was 6 years old in karate class. I was an orange belt and the instructor ordered me to fight a black belt who was a couple years older and a lot bigger. I was scared s–less. I mean, I was terrified and he kicked my ass. But then I realized he didn’t kick my ass as bad as I thought he was going to and that there was nothing really to be afraid of. That was around the time I realized that intimidation didn’t really exist if you’re in the right frame of mind.”
Kobe was a generational player an athlete who was unlike anyone we had seen before. But what surprised many non basketball fans is the success he had off the court after retiring.
Kobe loved life and was not just an assassin on the court but in everything he touched off the court.
To say Kobe Bean Bryant was charismatic was an understatement. Anyone who has a daughter can tell his love for his family and Gianna.
I haven’t slept well for days because Kobe and his daughter Gianna left this earth too soon. A shock that millions of fans are feeling.
As I watch the tributes, replays and talk shows about Kobe. One thing is clear. Kobe loved life, Vanessa his daughters. He embraced life like all the greats do with relentless determination. Kobes infectious smile and personality, his clenched fist after a jumper.
“It doesn’t bother me at all. Do I hold any hard feelings? Not at all. Life is too short to sit around and hold grudges. I don’t hold any whatsoever.” – Kobe Bryant
Kobe defied and banished every single doubt anyone ever had of him, and he plowed through obstacles as if they were invisible. That there was something he couldn’t beat—the unpredictability of life—is something I will never fully comprehend. Jemelle Hill
Bryant Stibel has an estimated $2bn in assets across the tech and media industries.
Kobe also made $194m off a $6m investment in drink maker BodyArmor, Coca-Cola purchased a significant stake in the Gatorade rival.
He was the founder of Granity Studios, which has 15 full-time employees. His passion for creative storytelling through film, television and children’s books led to an Academy Award for the short narrative film Dear Basketball, which was developed through Granity.
In addition, Bryant created Detail, an exclusive show for the ESPN+ streaming app that was instrumental in attracting millions of paid subscribers.
In 2018 he launched the Mamba Sports Academy for teaching Californian youth the game of basketball and inspiring young athletes.
In Feb 24th 2020 the Kobe and Gianna Bryant Memorial was at the Staples center in Los Angeles.
Amongst family and friends who spoke about the life of Kobe and Gianna were Vanessa Bryant, Shaq, Michael Jordan, Diana Taurasi. The emotional tributes showed how live Kobe and Gianna were to the them and the world.
My tears were real as again I realized the world would never hear the Mamba laugh or tell stories again. MJ would never get a text from Kobe asking him about footwork or ideas on Giannas career in basketball.
More Soon…Grieve and live 24/8
Kobe Bryant Mamba Mentality 