Remembering Kobe Bryant
January 26th stands out for many Angelenos and basketball fans globally. It’s the day Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna, and seven others lost their lives in a helicopter crash in Calabasas.
In tribute to this day, the California Post’s sports team reflects on memories of the NBA legend, recognized as one of the sport’s greatest and most driven players.
Ryan Kostecka | Sports Editor
Growing up in the Bay Area, I was a Warriors and Kings fan, and let’s be honest—I definitely had a mission to dislike Kobe Bryant. He made life difficult for fans of those teams, especially the Kings. Yet, those tough memories didn’t stop me from saying “Kobe” every time I tossed a piece of paper in the bin or threw a baseball into a bucket. It’s not often that an athlete bridges generations, but Kobe somehow managed to do it.
I regret my teenage outlook, but I’m sure my two-year-old son will grow up saying “Kobe” too, just while putting his socks in the laundry.
Ben Bolch | Senior College Reporter
I asked Kobe Bryant a pretty silly question once. In January 2015, after he missed the first eight shots against the Clippers, I wondered if he ever accepted he was having an off night and shifted to more of a facilitator. Not my best moment.
Bryant’s response was telling—he scoffed, rolled his eyes, and looked at me like I’d just suggested something ridiculous. Eventually, he stated he played the same way he always did, and at that point, I got the message. Of course, he keeps shooting. That’s Kobe.
Dylan Hernandez | Senior Sports Reporter
When I’m asked about Kobe’s legacy, I think back to his statement after sexual assault charges were dropped—he reflected on a different perspective than his own. It was a complicated moment.
Bryant was a phenomenal player and undeniably left a huge mark on both Los Angeles and the NBA as a whole. He and Shaquille O’Neal helped shift the city’s allegiance from the Dodgers to the Lakers.
His work ethic became legendary, inspiring countless players who followed. But, honestly, the past allegations make me pause. Even after over two decades, understanding what transpired in that Colorado hotel room remains elusive. So, even now, six years after his passing, it’s hard to know just how to celebrate Kobe.
Ed Lewis | Senior Sports Reporter
Every athlete dreams of a grand finale, but few did it as spectacularly as Kobe did against the Jazz in 2016. He took 50 shots, racked up 60 points, and left it all on the floor, while the Lakers clinched a win. No doubt, his 81-point game is unforgettable, but that April evening feels like the perfect ending for his career.
Jack Harris | Dodgers Reporter
As a lifelong Phoenix Suns fan, my memories of Kobe aren’t entirely sweet—I still remember the 2010 Western Conference Finals quite well. However, after his tragic death in 2020, I found myself reflecting on his legacy while writing for the LA Times. Coaching my daughter’s basketball team, I heard stories about Kobe as a coach, and those who knew him described him as calm, supportive, and kind. It’s quite a contrast to the intensity he showed on the court, showing his lasting influence even after retirement.
Cobi Price | Lakers Reporter
His 60-point send-off in his final game was something poetic. Watching him perform like he did in that arena, especially after facing injuries in his later years, reaffirms how memorable that farewell was. It really stands out in NBA history.
Michael Duarte | Senior Sports Reporter
My favorite memory of Kobe is also one of my life’s greatest moments. Growing up, he was my hero—the reason I wanted to become a storyteller. I wore both his numbers, bought every Kobe-related shoe, and dreamed of writing stories about him.
During my time covering his career from 2014 to 2016, the Lakers weren’t exactly title contenders anymore, and Kobe was winding down, battling injuries. I couldn’t help but feel nostalgic for the years when he was more guarded with the media. His last seasons brought a new openness as he became a guiding figure for the sport’s younger generation.
He anticipated the spectacle of his final game, but his last appearance before that was during a Clippers game. On our way to his car after the post-game, I shared how much he influenced my journey as a sports journalist. His response was heartfelt, making that moment unforgettable.
Rest in peace, Kobe.
