Kobe Bryant was the fair heir to Michael Jordan, a scoring assassin who could rip a
defender's heart out by way of a devastating dunk, or an elusive fadeaway jump shot
from the baseline, his singular work of art. He won five NBA championships, made 18
All-Star teams, won an MVP award, two scoring titiles, and two Olympic gold medals.
Bryant craved competition and broke down basketball like a scholar; his brain was as
elevated as his body. Bryant skipped college to take over the NBA, but after one
conversation with him, you just sensed he would have thrived in the classroom, the
boardroom or any path he chose. Kobebryant was somplicated. Never cuddly, he could
be ruthless to his underperforming teammates. Critics called him selfish, and knocked
him for not passing the ball. He embraced his villainy, real or supposed, creating a pop
philosophy he called "The Mamba Mentality." It was an approach to life that required
extreme focus, discipline, and enthusiasm for taking on all comers. Deciphering Bryant's
post-NBA plans became a parlor game among Kobe-watchers. Would he coach? Own a
team? Go Hollywood mogul? He could have done it all, and maybe would have. In one of
the most stunningand tragic losses in the history of sports and global celebrity, Kobe
Bryant died in helicopter crash near Los Angeles on Jan 26, along with eight others,
includinghis daughter Gianna, 13. This ending just doesn't make sense.