Dear Kobe,

Basketball was my 2nd favorite sport to watch, behind baseball . My family always had the game onso naturally I became a Lakers fan. Shaq was my favorite player, and you came in a close second (Sorry, I loved those dunks.) I had so many memories of watching you in all NBA finals the Lakers were ever in the 2000s era. My favorite memory had to be Game 7 of the 2010. I had softball practice, so all of my teammates and coaches paused practiced to huddle around a radio, listening so adrenaline-filled in those last few minutes before yet another championship. Watching your last game with my college housemates, I soaked in those bittersweet moments as we closed out and celebrated the Mamba Era.
I just wanted to thank you for being a role model to me and many young athletes at the time for pushing us to be the best version of ourselves -to grow through our passions through sport and only push through when things got hard. I can attest, those lessons have carried with me throughout my early/mid twenties. Yours and Gianna’s life has profoundly influenced so many lives, and we’re am so lucky to have witnessed such impact.
I take peace in knowing you left this world with the mission of sharing your love of the game with your daughter. Forever a legend.

Thank you Kobe,
Kristin