The entire sports world mourned the passing of Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant on Sunday. He, along with his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven other people, was tragically killed in a helicopter crash.
Bryant was one of the best basketball players to ever lace them up, winning five NBA championships in 20 seasons in addition to being named an All-Star 18 times. His legacy is much bigger than just basketball though as after retiring he won an Oscar for his short film ‘Dear Basketball’ in addition to a number of other successful business ventures.
Most importantly though, he was a father to four beautiful daughters and a husband to his wife Vanessa.
Las Vegas Raiders players were among those to mourn Bryant’s death. Derek Carr is a huge Bryant and Lakers fan. In an interview in 2018, Carr shared the impact that Bryant had on his life:
“When I was young, I wanted to follow the most competitive person I could find. And so out of everyone I looked at, I thought that Kobe was the most competitive person out there. And so I began read, I watched videos, interviews, documentaries, everything. And as I began to watch him and learn, then I’d watch him work on the court and in practice then I would watch him playing the games and it inspired me. It instilled a work ethic in me that my dad taught me. He taught me what hard work was. And then watching Kobe showed me how to do it. Showed me how to be determined and to just keep going until you win. I love that guy so much. To have someone like that, who you looked up to forever, reach out, it inspired me even more. And it drives me every single day to where we can just championships, because that’s what he did.”
Carr was in understandable shock after the news of Bryant’s death came out. He and others shared their shock with the world and offered condolences to all of the families involved on social media.
No way
— Derek Carr (@derekcarrqb) January 26, 2020
Man this video. Keep going!! Determination. Love this. He's the 🐐 https://t.co/D3dquH8KlC
— Derek Carr (@derekcarrqb) January 27, 2020
I know this can’t be real bra ‼️
— Trent Brown (@Trent) January 26, 2020
I listened to this before EVERY game in grade school https://t.co/iBlv1Ahjds
— James Butler (@jamessbutler20) January 26, 2020
someone please tell me this kobe news is a cruel joke.
— zay (@zayjones11) January 26, 2020
i literally cannot breathe right now
— zay (@zayjones11) January 26, 2020
I can’t believe this!! I’m hurt!!!!
— PJ Hall (@Pjjwatt) January 26, 2020
This is so damn sad
Gah dammit, man.. 😔 https://t.co/dYGQQNoUxV
— Will Compton (@_willcompton) January 26, 2020
Prayers out to his family I’m still in disbelief
— Josh Jacobs (@iAM_JoshJacobs) January 26, 2020
The world will never be the same, he changed more than just basketball he changed lives! Mamba mentality forever! 2️⃣4️⃣
— Johnathan Abram 🐆 (@JohnathanAbram1) January 26, 2020
I’m Heartbroken The Knowledge You Gave Will Forever Be In Me…🖤💔 pic.twitter.com/CZ7LneQDgt
— K9 (@keiseannixon) January 26, 2020
— Trent Brown (@Trent) January 26, 2020
Legendary 🐍 Appreciative of all the experiences you let us enjoy. Enjoyed every minute mane. The mamba mentality will always live on!!! 🕊
— DeAndre Washington (@dwa5hington) January 26, 2020
Prayers up to the mamba family!
— DeAndre Washington (@dwa5hington) January 26, 2020
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