The Legacy of Kobe Bryant

     A tragic story about Kobe Bryant, his Daughter Gianna, and seven others dying in a helicopter crash in Los Angeles area. Among the others who died was John Altobelli (along with his wife and daughter) who was the Baseball Coach at Orange Coast College. He won four California Community College championships in his tenure (27 years) and coached New York Mets star Jeff McNeil at the Cape Cod League which McNeil credited Altobelli of getting him drafted in the MLB Draft. Also, Altobelli managed Aaron Judge in the Cape Cod League. It's a sad day with the Bryant Family, Altobelli Family, and other families who lost loved ones in that helicopter crash. It's a big loss for Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Lakers Organization where Kobe played his entire 20-year career there and their many fans, the NBA (who already lost former NBA Commissioner David Stern on the first day of 2020), and the world in general since Kobe's reach went beyond basketball and even beyond sports. There were tribunes everywhere including the games that took place on the day he died or the first game after Kobe's death where the team took 24-second clock violation to honor Kobe. Neymar, after he scored a goal, flashed two four on his hands to honor his friend. People will remember Kobe for his accomplishments like being an All-Star 18 times, five-time Champion, two-time Finals MVP, Two-time gold medalist, Two-Time scoring championship, winning the MVP 2008 (only one?), having not one but two numbers (8 and 24) retired by the Lakers (he wore 8 in his first ten seasons in the league and 24 for his next ten), Oscar Winner for Best Animated Short for Dear Basketball, subject of Spike Lee's documentary Kobe Doin' Work, and consider as one of the All-Time Greats in the NBA. Magic Johnson called him the Greatest Laker of All Time and that's saying something considering how many legends could be called that like Magic or Kareem though Kareem started his career with Milwaukee. Kobe lived an interesting life, born in Philly, lived in Italy for six years learning to play basketball and soccer, came back to Philly came back to star on his High School team, and took Brandy out to his senior prom. Then in 1996, he made the decision to go straight to the NBA instead of going to college being the second player to do so since Moses Malone back in 1974 (Kevin Garnett did it the year prior). He was drafted in the 1996 NBA Draft by the Charlotte Hornet 13th overall but the Los Angeles Lakers impressive by him traded for him. However, he's also going to be remembered for being accused of sexually assault in a Colorado hotel. Don't know if it's a big stain but it's a stain. Yes, he was acquitted but only because he's accused refused to testify against him and prosecutors dropped charges. He did admit committing adultery and having sexual relations with his accused. Do I think he did it? Well, I'm just said there's only one person who knows for sure and I doubt she's going to talk. He's not the only big-name celebrity to accused of rape and sadly won't be the last. Also, probably the reason why he won only one MVP award. Then there's the whole Shaq-Kobe feud. I'm sure Kobe took some blame for that though he admitted in an hour-long special on the NBA Network with Shaq and Kobe, that Kobe thought he was the one who was going to trade and how he and his wife were looking for places to live in Chicago (Kobe to the Bulls? Interesting). Though Jerry Buss, like Kobe better and traded Shaq and forced out coach Phil Jackson (though he was rehired and won two more titles with Kobe and the Lakers). I'll give this to Kobe he did let go of some of his grudges with Phil Jackson, Shaq, and Shelly Smith. Maybe more I don't know. It's sad for those families affection and contiuned prayers for him.