Opinion: Thanks, Kobe
There are certain icons who become so famous within a profession that they eliminate the need to use both of their names.
Prince, Beyoncé and Elvis are three examples in the music industry.
Sports have these metaphorical – and sometimes literal — giants too: Messi, LeBron, Mike.
But certain athletes transcend even that.
Some of the truly special talents, due to their awe-inspiring performances, get their names colloquialized into fans’ vocabulary as being synonymous with an action.
For instance, leaping over a defensive back to make a spectacular catch in football will forever be known as getting “Mossed,” in recognition of the legendary wideout Randy Moss.
There is perhaps only one better example of this phenomenon in sports, and it lies in basketball.
When someone is shooting a last-second shot to win a game, or shooting an ill-advised shot over multiple defenders, or shooting a turnaround, fadeaway jumper, or, perhaps most famously, shooting a wad of paper into a trash can, many yell the same name.
Kobe!
Kobe Bryant, for the unaware, was an 18-time All-Star, five-time NBA champion, one-time NBA MVP, and a two-time Olympic gold medalist.
He was a basketball legend, forever immortalized by his achievements.
He also passed away this weekend in a tragic helicopter accident at just 41-years of age.
His death was mourned by countless athletes and fans alike. After news of his passing broke, he was honored by players in the NFL’s Pro-Bowl, in a soccer game by Neymar, and in numerous NBA games by current basketball players. He will undoubtedly be the subject of many more such displays in the coming months.
Additionally, thousands of Los Angeles Lakers fans gathered outside of Staples Center Sunday, standing vigil outside the house that Kobe helped build.
What made him such a beloved figure?
Kobe was perhaps best known for his competitiveness on the court and his relentless will to win. Finding a story about his hyper-competitive nature is not difficult.
His fabled “Mamba Mentality” was the stuff of legend.
As told by him in his book, “The Mamba Mentality: How I Play,” “The mindset isn’t about seeking a result—it’s more about the process of getting to that result. It’s about the journey and the approach. It’s a way of life. I do think that it’s important, in all endeavors, to have that mentality.”
Motivating others, whether basketball players or not, was a primary goal of Kobe. Following his retirement from basketball in 2016, Kobe attacked the second part of his life with vigor, ensuring people everywhere knew that playing basketball or not, he was still the Black Mamba. He even won an Oscar in 2018 for his animated short film, “Dear Basketball.”
While never a Kobe-jersey-wearing fan, I am a passionate fan of basketball, and the story of the sport is indelibly marked by Kobe. He showed the world that with enough work and dedication, nearly anything is possible.
That, more than anything, is why millions adore him, and why the world was rocked by his passing.
So, thanks, Kobe.
Thanks for being “that kid with the rolled-up socks, garbage can in the corner :05 seconds on the clock. Ball in [your] hands.
“5 … 4 … 3 … 2 … 1,” that was described in “Dear Basketball.”
Because you were never afraid to shoot your shots on the biggest stage – and put in the work to make them — you inspired us to shoot at whatever goals we have – whether it’s a basketball rim or not.
The clock ran down too soon on your life.
5 … 4 … 3 … 2 … 1
Kobe.
Featured image courtesy of AP Photo/Dan Loh, File