He was The Black Mamba. The subject of “GOAT” arguments that could last for what felt like days. A generation of kids grew up yelling his name as their balled up pieces of paper bounced off the wall and into the trash can. Kobe Bryant was this generation’s Michael Jordan. Fan or not, if you were a kid growing up in the 2000s, you knew Kobe. I know I did.

 Growing up in a house where a lack of sport’s knowledge was taboo, I learned to like them at a very early age. I eventually grew to love football, but basketball will always hold the #1 spot for me. I remember sitting with my dad and watching players like Allen Iverson, Vince Carter, Tracy McGrady, Jason Kidd, and loving them. Mainly because my dad liked them, and as a daddy’s girl I was always going to like what he liked. In that same vein, if he didn’t like something, I was right there with him. Which brings me to Kobe. My dad wasn’t the biggest Kobe fan. There was no denying his talent, and to be honest, I don’t even think my dad’s feelings for Kobe were his fault. I personally blame anyone who compared Kobe to Michael Jordan. My dad is a middle-aged black man who loves basketball so OF COURSE, he loves M.J. and will balk at any player being put in the same conversation as him. No offense to Black Mamba, but never compare him to Air Jordan. At least not in front of my dad. 

Despite knowing that we were by no means a Laker’s family, I loved Shaquille O’Neal. Mainly because of his groundbreaking role in Kazaam. On the rare occasions that my brother was bored enough to invite me to play him on the PS2, I was always gonna go with the Lakers. I can count the times I beat my brother on one hand, but those wins always belonged to Shaq and Kobe. Even outside of my PlayStation2, they were a dynamic duo. They were our Jordan and Pippen. Kobe was a pop culture figure. He was drafted into the NBA straight outta high school, he guest starred on shows like Moesha and The Proud Family. I mean, he even went to his high school prom with Brandy!

His career shaped this generation of professional basketball players and watching him play sparked so many young fans’ love for the game. As a black man playing in the NBA, he used his platform to discuss his feelings on racial inequality and was never one to shy away from speaking about his thoughts and opinions. He garnered the nickname “Show-Be” in my house for his cool, cocky, and always smooth demeanor. As a budding basketball fan, watching him play was a defining part of my childhood. He left his mark on the game in a way that other players can only hope for.

Kobe Bryant was a basketball phenom. He was an Academy Award Winner, a philanthropist, and a coach. But even more than that, he was someone’s husband and to four beautiful little girls, he was a daddy. In his last moments on this earth, I don’t think it mattered that he was Kobe Bryant, NBA All-Star. I think all that mattered was that he was Gianna Maria’s father. I know a fellow Daddy’s girl when I see one, and I know what it’s like to love the things your dad loves because he means the world to you. She was a beautiful young girl who was blessed with such talent and promise. I don’t think there is anything else that can be said. “Tragedy” is the only word that can be used in a situation like this. I can’t imagine what his family is feeling and I hope that their loved ones are able to bring them even the smallest amount of comfort. Kobe Bryant meant a lot to a lot of people, and his legacy will live on for a very long time. R.I.P. to all of the souls that were lost today in that accident.