Photo by Freddy Kearney on Unsplash
Katherine Quezada, Staff Reporter
Last month, Jan. 26 marked the second anniversary of the death of Kobe Bryant, the professional basketball player who won five NBA championships and played with the Los Angeles Lakers for 20 years. Students at California State University, Dominguez Hills share what they believe he is most remembered for and how they were impacted by his life, as they reflect on Bryant’s legacy following the unexpected helicopter crash in 2020.
1. “The most memorable thing Kobe did in my opinion was helping his community. He was someone who truly cared for people and always wanted to help and contribute in any way he could.”
2. “Kobe had an impact on my life when just watching basketball games with my family […] everyone always talked about him and how much of a great legend he was. He was very inspiring and the way he always continued to help those around him is something I wish to do one day as well.”
1. “The most memorable thing about Kobe was not just his accomplishments with his Laker seasons, but his killer instinct in the game and his steel mentality. Hence why everyone refers to him as ‘Black Mamba.’ He was always ready to finish what he started and modeled his legacy for all younger generations to have a piece of.”
2. “Kobe was a big influence in my life by modeling what a strong mindset can bring you. He was never somebody to change his way for anyone and he kept to his true self his whole career and beyond. I felt he was a strong mentor in everyone’s lives and nobody can think of a more solid franchise character to have other than some of the older greats (Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, etc.).”
1. “I think the most memorable thing about Kobe is the way he carried himself. He was extremely confident in his work, yet very humble. He knew his capabilities of greatness and always had a type of charisma that made people gravitate towards him. He was always very vocal to the public about having a strong mindset, willpower, and drive.”
2. “Personally, I grew up around baseball and not so much basketball, but my boyfriend absolutely loves basketball. I learned a lot from him and I know Kobe is definitely someone he admires. Kobe was obviously one of the most famous and well known basketball players, not only for playing, but because he has shown us all how dedication truly does pay off. May he rest in peace.”
1. “The most memorable thing was when Shaq spoke at Kobe’s memorial reminiscing on a specific memory of a time when other players were upset that Kobe wasn’t passing the ball. Shaq said, ‘Kobe there’s no I in team,’ and Kobe responded, ‘But there’s a me.’ This showed me that Kobe was always prepared to put the team on his back without asking questions and doing the work himself when he had to.”
2. “Kobe impacted my life because he showed me how much of a dedicated vicious animal he was when it came down to business. This showed me how I had to also put in 110% of my dedication without even having to be asked to put in the work. He led by example.”
1. “The most memorable thing about Kobe is how he put his all into everything. He carried a passion that he prided himself on. Not only in his NBA career, but even after. The way he took his business seriously and how he respected the game of basketball was contagious to everyone that followed his life.”
2. “The impact Kobe has had on my life, so far, can be found in my willingness to do more than what is required to get to where I want to be. But I think his biggest impact on my life will come down the road when I have a daughter. Seeing him at the Lakers games with his daughter and how happy he and his daughter looked was cool. He embraced being a ‘Girl Dad’ when the whole world wanted him to have a son. I’ve always wanted a son, but should I have a daughter first, Kobe provided a small blueprint.”