Riposi in Pace

It’s been one month since you left this earth, & I still can’t believe what’s happened. It was only four years ago that I was bidding farewell to you as a professional basketball player. Now I’m saying “Rest in Peace,” & the words don’t feel right coming out of my mouth. I know I’m not alone because every day I see social media posts about the shock & deep sadness that is still being felt around the world. You inspired actors, announcers, artists, authors, baseball players, basketball players, chefs, coaches, comedians, commentators, dancers, directors, fashion designers, figure skaters, football players, golfers, gymnasts, hockey players, hosts, influencers, journalists & reporters, MMA fighters, music artists, soccer players, tennis players, volleyball players, wrestlers, youtubers, etc. Mamba Mentality transcended a team, a sport, a city, a state, a country. That is a rarity, a feat that deserves every bit of recognition it receives.

I truly cannot put into words what you’ve meant to me. I was two years old when Charlotte drafted you in 1996, six years old when you won your first ring with the Lakers in 2000, and sixteen for your fifth & final championship in 2010. I cheered you on until my voice gave out. I went toe to toe with grown men, fighting on your behalf. You weren’t perfect, & I never defended you as such. That’s what made you human! Watching you take responsibility & right your wrongs further solidified my respect for you.

It breaks my heart that in the weeks leading up to the helicopter crash, I told my brother that I thought Gianna was going to be a huge asset to women’s basketball. She would’ve carried the Mamba torch with strength & grace, fire & ice. I know how much your girls meant to you & you to them. Not a day goes by that I don’t think about your family & what they’re enduring. I’m feeling pain & emptiness as a fan, but that’s nothing compared to the loss felt by your wife, daughters, parents, & sisters. From my heart to theirs, I’m sending love & all the prayers I can muster.

💜 Purple & gold is forever. Our family loyalty runs deep & lasts to the very end. We will continue the Mamba legacy & leave absolutely everything on the court wherever we go. Let’s get out there with Mamba Mentality and make Gigi & Kobe proud! 💛

🐍 2️⃣ 🐍 8️⃣ 🐍 2️⃣4️⃣ 🐍 2️⃣ 🐍 8️⃣ 🐍 2️⃣4️⃣ 🐍 2️⃣ 🐍 8️⃣ 🐍 2️⃣4️⃣ 🐍 2️⃣ 🐍 8️⃣ 🐍 2️⃣4️⃣ 🐍

🏀 M A M B A O U T B U T N E V E R F O R G O T T E N 🏀

🐍 2️⃣ 🐍 8️⃣ 🐍 2️⃣4️⃣ 🐍 2️⃣ 🐍 8️⃣ 🐍 2️⃣4️⃣ 🐍 2️⃣ 🐍 8️⃣ 🐍 2️⃣4️⃣ 🐍 2️⃣ 🐍 8️⃣ 🐍 2️⃣4️⃣ 🐍

🍃 “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4 🌿

⛅️ Rest in Peace:

🌟 Ara Zobayan 🌟

🌟 Gianna & Kobe Bryant 🌟

🌟 Alyssa, John, & Keri Altobelli 🌟

🌟 Payton & Sarah Chester 🌟

🌟 Christina Mauser 🌟

• Fund supporting the Altobelli, Chester, Mauser, & Zorbayan families – Mamba on Three •

• Fund supporting the Mamba Sports Academy – Mamba Sports Foundation •

Collage:

Bereswill, Paul. 2019. https://www.newsweek.com/jimmy-fallon-tribute-kobe-bryant-tearful-1484313. Accessed 30 January 2020. ( Top Left )

Bryant, Kobe. 2019. https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-moms/pictures/kobe-bryants-close-bond-with-daughter-gianna-photos/common-interests/. Accessed 30 January 2020. ( Top Middle )

Berezovsky, Allen. 2019. https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/pictures-these-are-the-victims-in-the-kobe-bryant-helicopter-crash/2299204/. Accessed 30 January 2020. ( Top Right )