Kobe Bryant’s 43rd Birthday: The Legendary Black Mamba

kobe bryant
kobe bryant

On 26th January 2020, Kobe “Black Mamba” Bryant and daughter Gianna had lost their lives in an unfortunate helicopter crash. 8 others had also been killed. Today, the legendary basketball player would have turned 43. In 2021, he was given the posthumous recognition of being a Naismith Memorial Hall of Famer in Basketball.

Kobe Bryant Was Among The Best Ever

Kobe Bryant’s career had spanned for two decades, during which he had only ever been a Laker. In 1996, when he was 18, he was picked by the Charlotte Hornet at Number 13. Soon, he would be traded to Los Angeles.

At Los Angeles, Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal formed one of the most iconic NBA duos. The team would go on to win three consecutive titles in 2000, 2001, and 2002. In 2008, Kobe Bryant was named the league’s MVP. Then, under his guidance, the Lakers would win two times more in 2010 and 2009. In 2010, he was also the MVP of the Finals.

Kobe Bryant had an average of 25 points scored per game. He scored a total of 33,643 points, ranking him the 4th all-time highest. Apart from his numerous NBA All-Star selections, he also has 2 Olympic gold medals while representing team USA. Apart from Basketball, in 2017, he also became an Oscar winner for his role in Dear Basketball.

His leadership remains an inspiration for generations of NBA players. Kobe Bryant’s teammates recount how at crucial times he would step up and do what was needed. When everything else was crumbling, there was always Kobe Bryant still going strong. Even now, players play under his influence. Giannis Antetokounmpo, the latest MVP, admitted that Bryant’s challenge to him had spurred him to these heights.

Bryant was far too young to have gone away. However, his legendary legacy is permanent.