Kobe Bryant, the NBA legend, continues to be mourned worldwide even more than six years after his tragic death shocked the globe. While his family has worked to uphold the legacy he left behind, Bryant was always clear about what set him apart from other players in the league.
Kobe Bryant on What Made Him a Global Icon
Just months before his untimely passing, Kobe Bryant filmed his documentary Kobe Bryant’s Muse, where he reflected on the qualities that made him one of the most talented athletes in the world.
“There’s a choice that we have to make as people, as individuals,” Bryant said. “If you want to be great at something, there’s a choice you have to make. We all can be masters at our craft, but you have to make a choice.”
The five-time NBA champion added, “What I mean by that is, there are inherent sacrifices that come along with that. Family time, hanging out with your friends… there are sacrifices that come along with making that decision.”
He continued, “I want to learn how to become the best basketball player in the world. If I’m going to learn that, I’ve got to learn from the best. Kids go to school to be doctors, lawyers… that’s the place for them to study. My place to study is from the best…”
Throughout his career, despite several controversies, Kobe Bryant remained laser-focused on his craft. Billions of young players have expressed how his mentality and commitment motivated them, and his tragic death left a void in many lives.
Vanessa Bryant’s Strength Amid Grief
While Kobe Bryant’s death shocked the world, his wife, Vanessa Bryant, has remained strong even as she faced immense pain and grief, losing both her husband and her teenage daughter, Gianna Bryant, in the horrific helicopter crash in 2020.
In a heartbreaking post, Vanessa opened up about her grief: “My brain refuses to accept that both Kobe and Gigi are gone. I can’t process both at the same time…”
She added, “It’s like I’m trying to process Kobe being gone but my body refuses to accept my Gigi will never come back to me. It feels wrong. Why should I be able to wake up another day when my baby girl isn’t being able to have that opportunity?! I’m so mad. She had so much life to live.”
