A basketball player who won an Oscar.

The news of Kobe Bryant`s death shocked the world of basketball. Of course, he was the legend who unfortunately passed away. But we will not think long on this sad event, but rather look back on the success story of a great sportsman. He won two Olympic medals and was a five-time NBA champion. Besides, Kobe Bryant ranked fourth in the list of most NBA successful players in history and set several world records.

It all started way back in Lower Merion School where he was considered to be the best basketball player among the students.

In 1996, Bryant was selected right out of high school by the NBA draft. Wearing number 13, he became part of the Charlotte Hornets team. But he soon changed to the Lakers. As the team progressed, Bryant along with NBA star, Shaquille O’Neal, lead the team to win three league titles in 2000-2002.

However, their relationship was strained. The rivalry with Kobe motivated O’Neal to move to Miami Heat in 2004.

Becoming the undisputed leader of the Lakers, Bryant helped the team win two championship titles in 2009-2010.

Kobe Bryant decided to retire in 2016 and went into business. He was interested in entrepreneurship and investment. Together with a business partner, Bryant launched an investment fund that provided financial support to 28 companies.  What is more interesting, he even published motivational books for children and won an Oscar for a basketball movie.

On January 26, 2020, there was a helicopter crash outside Los Angeles. He was killed along with his daughter. The funeral was secretly held on February 7th.  A memorial service took place on February 24 at Lakers’ home arena. 90 thousand people came to pay the last tribute to him.  There was a live stream too, organized by the most famous mass media.

«It’s part of the grieving process. I just wanted to share in case there’s anyone out there that’s experienced a loss like this. God, I wish they were here and this nightmare would be over. Praying for all of the victims of this horrible tragedy. Please continue to pray for all» – Vanessa Bryant, wife of Kobe Bryant, wrote on her Instagram

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I’ve been reluctant to put my feelings into words. My brain refuses to accept that both Kobe and Gigi are gone. I can’t process both at the same time. It’s like I’m trying to process Kobe being gone but my body refuses to accept my Gigi will never come back to me. It feels wrong. Why should I be able to wake up another day when my baby girl isn’t being able to have that opportunity?! I’m so mad. She had so much life to live. Then I realize I need to be strong and be here for my 3 daughters. Mad I’m not with Kobe and Gigi but thankful I’m here with Natalia, Bianka and Capri. I know what I’m feeling is normal. It’s part of the grieving process. I just wanted to share in case there’s anyone out there that’s experienced a loss like this. God I wish they were here and this nightmare would be over. Praying for all of the victims of this horrible tragedy. Please continue to pray for all.

A post shared by Vanessa Bryant 🦋 (@vanessabryant) on Feb 10, 2020 at 11:14am PST

Without any doubt, Kobe Bryant was an well-rounded person, a true legend who devoted two decades of his life to the Lakers.