There aren't many people in this world who can transcend their profession. Become a household name. Be so well known that people who know absolutely nothing about said individual's field are still able to recognize that person once his or her name is uttered.
Kobe Bryant was one of those select individuals.
Now, for those who grew up watching the Celtics, we all knew full well who Bryant was. One of the greatest Lakers of all time, if not the greatest.
When Boston's home court was known as the FleetCenter, Bryant put on a show. When it became the Garden again, he did the same.
And just when it seemed like Boston's new Big 3 was about to win its second title back in 2010, Bryant made sure his era of Lakers knocked off the Celtics in the NBA Finals one time, renewing the rivalry for another generation of fans in the process.
"He's one of the guys that probably broke the hearts of the Celtics more than anybody that's ever played," Brad Stevens said about Bryant to reporters in New Orleans. "And in his last year, our guys were all sneaking around, getting his shoe signed just like everybody else. I know a lot of our staff did, too. It's just … it's so sad."
Even then, Bryant's jersey wasn't worn exclusively by Lakers fans in the late '90s and 2000s. He was more than a Laker. Bryant was the face of the NBA for a generation of fans.
And we saw in Bryant's retirement he was working to achieve more. He became a businessman. He got involved in the entertainment industry. Most importantly, he was spending time with his family and was even coaching one of his daughters, Gianna, in basketball.
Sadly, both he and his daughter died in a helicopter crash on Sunday in Calabasas, California.
It should go without saying, but the passing of a child is unfathomably heartbreaking. As hard as it is to discuss Bryant following his passing, it's impossible to truly put into words how sad her passing is, as well.
And while Bryant's legacy will live on forever, that will not help heal the pain everyone is experiencing. Not his fans who watched him dominate the game of basketball for 20 years. Not his friends. Certainly, not his family.
Current and former players, media, fans — no one can fully put their feelings into words. Because the world didn't just lose an outstanding basketball player — who players are paying tribute to by opening Sunday's games with back-to-back 24-second shot clock violations to highlight one of the two numbers he wore in his NBA career — it lost someone who created a way of life: The Mamba Mentality. Someone who accomplished so much in life. An individual who inspired so many.
Remarkable moment to start the Raptors-Spurs game. pic.twitter.com/thmt9ZU1Ra
— Timothy Burke (@bubbaprog) January 26, 2020Our condolences to the Bryant family and those close to him and his daughter, as well as the family and friends of the other passengers who died in the crash.
