Basketball fans are still in mourning after Kobe Bryant, an iconic retired player of the Los Angeles Lakers, passed away in a devastating helicopter crash. Bryant’s 13-year-old daughter and seven other people also passed away tragically in the crash that left the city of angels heartbroken. Bryant’s role not only in the NBA but also his mentality and tenacity in other parts of life was an inspiration to many and his legacy will live on. 

Lakers fans, such as senior Jeff Thompson, were shocked when they heard of the crash. 

“To be honest, at first I thought it was fake,” Thompson said when asked of his first reaction to the news. “I was just in shock, I couldn’t believe it.”

Before the crash, Bryant and his daughter were headed to the Mamba Sports Academy, which was a huge part of his life and legacy. He started the Academy to help many with their physical fitness and to help them form the “Mamba Mentality.” 

“Just his mentality going into the games and how he played, they call it Mamba Mentality because he was ruthless, he was driven,” Thompson said when asked about what made Bryant an inspiration. “You could take his mentality and use it outside of the sport.”

Others were also affected by Kobe’s inspiring Mamba Mentality. 

“He left the Mamba Mentality,” longtime Laker’s fan and sophomore Collin Nguyen said.  “Even though he died he would want people to not be sad and to move on and to be inspired by him. Do it for Kobe.”

David Price, the ALHS Administrative Manager and a fan of Kobe since even before he was in the NBA, believes that the legacy Kobe left will always be remembered. 

“Kobe’s death has affected the whole world, not just in professional sports. Kobe was an NBA champion, 18-time all-star, gold medal winner, and has multiple NBA records,” Price said. “Kobe was an icon. He is gone but not forgotten.” 

Price also acknowledged the tragic loss the other families of people involved in the crash have endured. 

“Overall this is just a horribly tragic story. So many families were affected by the losses in this helicopter crash. I feel sad for all the people and families involved,” Price said. “This is another story that reminds us that life is short, unpredictable, and not certain.”