Death can be hard for anybody. It doesn’t matter if it is a family member or your favorite celebrity, it can be a hard topic to deal with. Recently, NBA legend Kobe Bryant was killed in a helicopter crash in Los Angeles. Not only was Kobe one of the greatest basketball players of all time, he was an inspiration to the masses.

On the court, Kobe had something that not many players had. He was a five time NBA champion, two time NBA finals MVP, the NBA’s MVP, two time Best NBA Player ESPY award, as well as many other achievements. It was easy to see that Kobe had a talent that very few people had. But why was Kobe so good?

In order to be drafted into the NBA at the age of 17, you have to have something that sets you apart from everyone else. Yes, having the skill to play in the NBA at 17 is needed, but there is no way that a 17 year old is going to be able to keep up with some of the 25 year old players. 

Kobe had a mentality that put him on his own level. He would stop at nothing until he was satisfied with the way he was shooting the ball or the way he was dribbling. His work ethic and motivation to be the best is rare among athletes. Kobe’s philosophy “Mamba Mentality” is what many athletes look to as an inspiration to be better at their sport.

The “Mamba Mentality” focuses on the process of becoming a better athlete and trusting in the hard work when it matters most. In many interviews, Kobe talks about how important it is to continue working even when it is hard because that is what matters the most. What Kobe means is that even when you’re tired and you don’t feel like pushing yourself, that is when it is most important.

Even though Kobe was a world famous athlete, people still felt connected to him on a personal level. He had the ability to reach so many lives without actually knowing them. For Tori Noseworthy (10), Kobe had a “confidence about him that made me want to be a better player for me.” Kobe had the ability to reach out to people all over the world. For athletes, he made them want to be better for themselves. 

After Kobe retired from playing in the NBA in 2016, his love for sports and basketball did not stop there. He brought the same intensity that he had on the court playing for the Lakers to supporting young athletes in following their dreams. His “Mamba Mentality” is followed by athletes of any age all over the world. Getting up at 4 am and training for a few hours and taking a little break then getting back on the court was Kobe’s recipe for success; many athletes have made it their own.

Kobe pushed himself to keep working hard even when he didn’t want to. He set an example for athletes without even trying. His work ethic and determination made him the basketball legend that he was and made many young athletes’ dreams come true. 

His love for basketball continued after playing in the NBA by opening his own sports program “Mamba Academy.” At the academy, he coached one of his daughters’ basketball teams. He was able to pass on his work ethic and motivation to the girls on the team and to all the teams that they played. 

The sports world lost a legend. Athletes all over the world felt the loss of a mentor that would be hard to replace. He left his impact on athletes everywhere. 

Kobe Bryant will go down in history as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. He won’t just be known for basketball, he will be remembered for his ability to reach out and inspire people all over the world. His “Mamba Mentality” will not be forgotten.