Kobe Bryant: A Hero, A Villain, A Legend

The reign of an era is complete. Just as life comes and goes, so do the careers of our all-time favorites. There is a beginning and ending, a start and a finish. Yes, Kobe Bryant the basketball player may be retiring, but Father Time won't conquer his legacy. To me, Kobe Bryant isn't just a great basketball player and my favorite, he was also a way of life for his fans in Los Angeles and around the world. Yes, his "mamba mentality" may present throughout the league with certain NBA stars he's inspired, but it is also show in everyday work ethic, his absolute desire to win, and become the best. That's how he's inspired us to live our lives in the classroom, work space, and any form of competition. This "mamba mentality" that he has instilled in us helps us to overcome struggles, desireto be the best while remaining humble, and facing adversity. That's why his legacy and influence will live on to this generation and beyond.

Kobe was hero in my eyes. Saving the day when it mattered the most. Being a team captain, a leader, sometimes "that guy" in most cases. If nobody was going to step up and get it done, Kobe would. Who wouldn't want a person like that on their team? I remember when Kobe won the 2010 NBA Finals in Game 7 to defeat the Boston Celtics and my cousin and I made a bet that whoever lost, the loser had to bow down to the winner. Of course I picked the Lakers and my nigga Kobe looked out on the W. I saw Kobe running around waving "five" and I felt like the shit getting bowed down to. Shout out to The Bean!

Some might call him a villain. Other than the times Kobe whipped my ass in 2K, I can't say he really was a villain. There is maybe one instance where he was looked at as a villain (we aint gonna get into that), but I don't know how it really feels to have countless game winners and ended playoffs runs on your resume accompanied by dunking on your favorite player. So don't hate the player, hate the game.

Now he is a legend. That is definitely something I can call Kobe Bryant. His 81 points in a single game is still one of the most legendary and exciting performances I've seen as well as in NBA History period. His All-Star games where he matched up with the East's best player were always a favorite. The turnaround fade away jumper and stare down made you jump out of your seat. He leaves the league 3rd in scoring (1st in Los Angeles Lakers franchise history), a five-time NBA Champion, two-time Finals MVP, 2008 regular season MVP, two-time Olympic gold medalist, and a host of many other titles earned along his career.

Stars come and go, but legends live forever. Whether you loved him or hated him, called him a hero or villain, you had to respect the man's game. I myself will miss the legend on the court; not being able to hear him do something miraculous. We appreciate his greatness and toughness that he has brought to not only the NBA, but to everyday lifestyles. #KB24EVER