It still seems so surreal. With everything currently going on the world, I always find myself thinking about the moment I initially heard the news. I took a week off social media and that Sunday was my first day back on Twitter and Instagram. Unfortunately, right after church, that was the first thing I saw on my timeline. I didn’t want to believe it and thought somehow someway my childhood super hero would find a way to survive. What else would you expect from the Black Mamba.
I never actually met you in person. Well I went to one Lakers vs Wizards game in DC and we were both in the same arena if that counts (that’s where the picture above is from). However, I was hoping I would get the opportunity to run into you since we’re both in the sports & production industry. Regardless, you had a major impact on my life so I just want to say thank you. It’s crazy because of two of my favorite celebrity figures that I consider my “idols” both started their careers in 1996 in Kobe Bean Bryant and Shawn Jay Z Carter.
The Mamba Mentality is the attitude and mindset you have to live with. There are so many different definitions of the Mamba Mentality out there, but the one that I really like is the following… “A constant quest to be the best version of one’s self”. You proved it during your entire career. You were able to maximize your full potential as a player. From the air balls three pointers at Utah to losing to the Celtics in the Finals, you were always pushing your self to keep getting better. The work ethic, the hard work, and the dedication… that’s what the Mamba Mentality is about. As I can continue to navigate through my career, I will continue to strive to exemplify the true essence of the Mamba Mentality.
The Kobe vs Jordan vs LeBron debates brought so much joy over the years. From the lunch tables in middle school, high school, college, and even now in the office, I will never get tired of arguing with my friends, associates, and coworkers about sports. The debates about the best basketball player ever always got intense but you had to hold you ground no matter what. So just know I will continue to hold you down in those debates.
One of the things that have helped me during this process has been hearing all of the stories of the different people that you impacted. I didn’t realize you had so much impact on so many people throughout the world. You only see what’s reported on ESPN and it’s inspiring to see all of the things that you were doing to behind the scenes. I was really excited to see the second phase of your career that you were transitioning into, but I think the legacy and stories that people will continue share will keep your legacy living forever.
As I close out some thoughts in my head, that I just want to get on paper, here are some of my favorite motivational quotes from you:
“The most important thing is to try and inspire people so that they can be great in whatever they want to do”
“If you’re afraid to fail, then you’re probably going to fail”
“I’m not in this to do what’s normal”
“I wanna be the best simple and plain”
“Everything negative – pressure, challenges, are all an opportunity for me to rise”
“Great things come from hard work and perseverance. No excuses”
I can keep going on and on, but thanks again for all of the memories Kobe from one of your biggest fans. As they say, “HEROES come and go but LEGENDS are FOREVER”.
#MAMBAFOREVER