The legacy that Kobe Bryant built over his 20-year NBA career is impeccable. He still holds over 25 division records. The 4x NBA All-Star Game MVP didn’t stop there as he made his name shine even on the media center.
In addition to his long list of accomplishments in his basketball career, he also holds an Oscar and is New York’s Best-Selling Author title. He wrote a poem entitled ‘Dear Basketball’ which was included in The Players Tribune at the time of his retirement announcement.
Kobe Bryant’s poem was made into a six-minute animated video that won an Oscar. He made a shocking revelation when he was backstage. Kobe stated, “I feel better than winning a championship”. His knack for writing was prominent as he went on to curate 11 books which included children’s books as well.
Three of his books were published after the tragic helicopter crash which took the lives of Kobe and his daughter Gigi. Furthermore, Vanessa Bryant candidly spoke to Entertainment Tonight about one thing that she wanted to change in Kobe Bryant’s book ‘Epoca: The River of Sand’.
What is Kobe Bryant’s ‘Mamba Mentality’ about?
Vanessa revealed the conversation she had with the co-author Ivy Claire, about how one of the lines didn’t go well with Kobe’s Mamba Mentality. She spoke, “There was one line of this book that said, ‘Friends come first, practice comes second’. I remember telling you there is no way in hell Kobe would ever agree.”
The Los Angeles Lakers star was popular for his work ethic, and how he always made use of his complete potential. Kobe never shied away from working hard and leading a disciplined life.
Kobe and Vanessa have four daughters together. They had a nurturing relationship within the family. She told how he would also tell his children how they should practice first as their friends will be there. In her own words, “He was always telling the kids your friends will be there after practice.”
This was the reason behind her wanting to change the line in the book. She displayed immense resistance after Kobe and Gigi’s death. In various events and interviews, she talks about them in the best way possible. She is indeed a proud wife and mom.
Vanessa Bryant gives a heartfelt speech in honor of her husband being inducted into the Hall Of Fame. Her strength and courage is truly unmatched! We will continue to pray for the Bryant family ❤️🙏🏽 || 🎥@TSN_Sports #KobeBryant #MambaForever pic.twitter.com/GdmgK44OR6
— BET (@BET) May 16, 2021
Even after Kobe’s death, she has been putting in every ounce of effort to keep him alive in her memories and stands tall at his accomplishments. Certainly, from accepting his Hall of Fame honor to discussing his books in interviews, she does it all.
Kobe Bryant’s death is one of the most unfortunate things that happened in NBA history. However, his life is celebrated by everyone to date.
