On January 26th at 9:06 am, Kobe Bryant’s personal helicopter left John Wayne airport and crashed in Calabasas before 9 am. It was a foggy morning on their way to his daughter’s basketball game in Thousand Oaks. Gianna, 13, was aboard with him along with six others (including the pilot, assistant coach, two teammates and their families). 

Kobe Bryant was drafted out of high school in 1996 for the Hornets but was soon traded for the LA Lakers. He continued to play for the Lakers throughout his career till 2016.  Bryant was also a five-time NBA Champion in 2000, 2001, 2002, 2009, and 2010. He was also named NBA MVP in 2008, and NBA Finals MVP in 2009 and in 2009. His jerseys, 24 and 8, were retired in the Staples Center on December 18, 2017.  

  Gianna was aspiring to carry on her father’s basketball legacy by rigorously training. She dreamed of playing in the WNBA and was able to have Bryant as her club coach. She also aspired to play basketball at the University of Connecticut.  

Bryant married Vanessa Bryant in 2001. They had four girls aged 17, 13, 3, and 6 months. They currently live in Newport Beach, California where they live a quiet normal life. Bryant spent his post career coaching Gianna’s basketball team as well as attending his eldest daughter, Natalie’s volleyball tournaments. He started Mamba Volleyball Club in 2018 and Mamba Sports Academy.  

Kobe Bryant legacy continues as thousands gather in front of the Staples Center for a memorial. They are laying flowers and pictures while wearing his merchandise. Kobe Bryant lived an extraordinary life and inspired many athletes to become the best in what they do. He is a legend whose legacy will live on.