It is funny what passes through your brain when something as monumental and horrible as Kobe Bryant’s unexpected death is heard (even more heartbreaking that his thirteen year old daughter Gianna, and seven others died in the helicopter crash). Logic and reason no longer control your mind, and it is as if a movie reel flashes before your eyes. For me, I immediately thought of a day almost fourteen years ago to the day when the Toronto Raptors seemed to have things in complete control (up fourteen against the Los Angeles Lakers at half). It was January 22nd, 2006, the day Kobe took over – almost forty-two minutes, twenty-eight field goals made (forty-six attempted), seven threes. . . a total of eighty-one points (that helped further his legend – the second highest total ever behind only Wilt Chamberlain’s one hundred).
Then, the horrific 2011 Lokomotiv Yaroslavl plane crash flashed before me – 44 dead, including former NHL superstar Pavol Demitra (who I knew). You think of Jordan, Shaq, the championships, and the colossal loss. . . in complete pain for his wife, daughters and parents (who must now try to pick up the pieces after this tragic accident). You start to hear the reaction coming out – shock and disbelief. . . perhaps Tiger Woods’ forceful “excuse me” upon hearing the news from his caddy after finishing his round of eighteen sums that up nicely – for it seems surreal.
Yet, in a way, Kobe’s life was surreal. A seventeen year old heading to L.A., taking over a sport. . . winning and inspiring along the way (five time champion, two time finals MVP, eighteen time All-Star, two time NBA scoring leader, and fourth all-time in points – some of the many reasons he became known as the Black Mamba). His hard work ethic and competitive edge transcending the sport, meaning that, even after retiring, he would not simply disappear like so many others, instead, finding himself in another surreal position – accepting an Oscar for Best Animated Short Film at the 90th Academy Awards for his film Dear Basketball – written, starring and produced by the man along with the help of Glen Keane – who directed and animated the picture. Both a retirement and love letter to the game he was so passionate about, it captures the dreams of a kid, the inspiration and work ethic needed to succeed, the inevitable conclusion, and the magic that inspired billions of people the world over (and now, an eerily fitting eulogy for the man).
Done as if the wispy memories of a vivid dream, this is where Kobe now lives – in our hearts, minds, and dreams (a majestic score by the incomparable John Williams his fitting backbeat). He is and will always be that kid rolling up his dad’s tube socks to shoot baskets, the clutch baller, the superlative dunker, loving father, and all-round inspiration to athletes and fans alike. As he said, “I never saw the end of the tunnel, I only saw myself running out of one. . .”, a vision of brilliance, drive, optimism, and spirit that is now at peace – the final shot clock has suddenly ticked down from a full 24 to a melancholic zero as his last shot has flawlessly fallen, yet this stroke of pure talent holds within it all the good memories that take but a moment but will last for lifetimes.