It’s been five years since Kobe Bryant death. This Sunday, January 26, marks the anniversary of the death of the Black Mamba, the NBA and Los Angeles Lakers star who won five championship rings and two MVPs.
It was just before noon when the news broke that Bryant had died in a helicopter accident in Calabasas, United States.
Nine more people died in the tragedy, including his daughter Gigi, who was just 13 years old. According to an official report, the helicopter crashed into the side of a hill after the pilot decided to fly in areas with poor visibility.
Five years later, Bryant’s legacy lives on both within his team and in the world of basketball. This is how his former colleagues and the most important sports institutions in the world remember him.
Making his debut in 1996 with the Los Angeles Lakers, Kobe Bryant built an exceptional career over 20 seasons with the Los Angeles team. Among his most notable achievements are:
- Five NBA championships: He contributed to the titles in 2000, 2001, 2002, 2009 and 2010, consolidating himself as an undisputed leader.
- Two-time Finals MVP: In 2009 and 2010, he was recognized as the most valuable player in key moments.
- 2008 season MVP: An award that highlighted his dominance in the league.
- 18 All-Star Game appearances: Testimony to his consistency and popularity.
- Four-time All-Star Game MVP: Record he shares with Bob Pettit.
- Two Olympic gold medals: Essential part of the championship teams in Beijing 2008 and London 2012.
- 33,643 points in his career: Third-highest scorer in the NBA at the time of his retirement.
One of Kobe Bryant most memorable moments was his farewell in 2016, when he scored 60 points against the Utah Jazz, closing his career with a performance that defined his greatness.
Beyond the numbers, Kobe left behind a philosophy of life: the “Mamba Mentality,” an approach that promotes hard work, discipline, and constant improvement. This concept has inspired millions, from athletes to people outside the sports world.
After retiring, Kobe continued to make history. He founded the Mamba Sports Academy for young athletes and delved into creative projects, such as the short film Dear Basketball, which earned him an Oscar.
CREDITS:
Director: Alejandro Bernal
Text: Max Hackenbroich
