On January 25, 2020, as LeBron James scored his 33644th career point against the Philadelphia 76ers, he reached another career milestone: passing the great Kobe Bryant for third on the All-Time points list. James happened to accomplish this feat in Bryant’s hometown, to which Bryant took to Twitter to congratulate James for his longevity and prowess.

“Continuing to move the game forward @KingJames. Much respect my brother #33644”

Little did the world know that this would be Bryant’s last tweet.

It’s been a year without the sports icon of LA. Kobe Bryant, who tragically passed away in a helicopter incident on the of January 26, 2020, was a part of every basketball fan. 

Senior Christian Hokama reflects on how Bryant impacted his life, stating that, “Kobe meant everything. Watching him lead the Lakers to five championships showed me truly what hard work leads to. His Mamba Mentality is truly unmatched, and his legacy towards the game of basketball will live on forever. Kobe meant so much to the community, and so much to [me] as a Lakers fan.”

The 2019-2020 Los Angeles Lakers delivered a championship to the City of Angels, with many references to the late Laker legend. The snakeskin alternate jerseys that were presented in every Game 2 of the playoffs paid homage to Gianna Bryant’s jersey number 2. The KB patch on top of the Nike logo reminded every Laker player who they were honoring with the championship run. Anthony Davis’s post-game winner celebration echoed the phrase  “Kobe” as he dropped the dagger on the Denver Nuggets in Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals. 

The words “Leave A Legacy” were largely inspired by Kobe and reminded the Lakers just how important it was to reach the goal of a championship.

“Kobe taught us to improve in ways that we thought was impossible. He taught me personally to be a better student, friend, and person; he taught all of us to be better and exceed our limitations,” senior Chiby Onyeador said. 

“Being a year removed from his tragic death has opened my eyes to how important he has been to all of our lives and how important he will continue to be. Mamba Forever,” he said.

As this troubling year passes us, we cannot forget how much we have learned throughout this process. Bryant’s everlasting legacy is forever entwined with the long list of events that occurred in 2020. He has taught us to give everything we have in everything that we do. 

He has touched people within and beyond basketball communities. He will forever be remembered as one of the greatest athletes to play on the hardwood. But most importantly, he will be remembered as a father, mentor, and an example for all.