Family, friends and fans of the late Kobe Bryant, who died a year ago alongside his daughter Gianna and seven others in a helicopter crash honored him in Los Angeles where the memory of his death lingers.
The pain of the his death was felt in the city and the world as he was a source of inspiration for many in the sports world and other walks of life.
“Every day I try to have that Kobe mentality, that Mamba mentality. I live my life, work hard and I expect greatness. And I’ll keep striving,” Army Specialist Malcolm Marks said while standing near the Staples Center arena.
Kobe’s 13-year-old daughter Gianna's death also broke the hearts of many as she was also a young basketballer with much promise.
It hit home for Miguel Fong and Tina Munos, a couple who are Los Angeles natives.
Fong said, “I’m the same age as Kobe and we have daughters as well, so it affects us personally.”
“It can end at any moment, you never know. Accidents happen, just like that morning one year ago. It was just an accident. But he is going to live on forever through his legacy,” he added.
The legendary basketballer nicknamed “Black Mamba” won five championships in his 20 seasons with the Lakers.
After his sudden passing, the Lakers were motivated last season such that they won the National Basketball Association title to bring back championship spirit and culture that they last experienced back in 2010 when Bryant won the Finals most valuable player award.
“That was God to me. That was supposed to happen. God brought that together, ” said Johnny Anderson, who built a large sign depicting Kobe and Gianna as angels.
The late Kobe's wife Vanessa Bryant, said that the tragedy still seems unreal.
“I miss my baby girl and Kob-Kob so much. I will never understand why/how this tragedy could’ve happened to such beautiful, kind and amazing human beings ... Kob, we did it right. Gigi, you still make mommy proud. I love you!” she wrote on Instagram, marking the anniversary.
His fellow basketballers also honored the late Kobe for the great legacy he left behind.
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