By: Natalie Buss
As we are all aware, the legendary NBA player Kobe Bryant tragically died in a helicopter crash on January 26 of this year. Recently the Staples Center hosted a Kobe Bryant Tribute featuring other stars such as Michael Jordan, Beyoncé, Steph Curry, Shaquille O’Neal, and even Kobe Bryant’s widow, Vanessa Bryant. Many of the stars shared a touching speech dedicated to Kobe: some slightly humorous and some very somber and serious.
Michael Jordan’s speech has become one of the most spoken about since he did incorporate so many emotions ranging from laughter to crying on stage. Of course, Michael Jordan, being the admirable man he is, made fun of his own crying saying, “I’ll have to look at another crying meme.” This comment was in reference to a previous meme that was featuring himself crying from his Hall of Fame induction ceremony in 2009.
This touching and moving ceremony affected not only those in attendance, but at its peak, 6.07 million Kobe fans and supporters tuned in to his tribute. Since the tribute and even the tragic death of Bryant, many people have come together and supported him by wearing his old jerseys, wearing his shoes, and keeping the memory of him alive.
Some sportswear companies have removed their Kobe merchandise from their shelves to honor him. Another way that fans are remembering Kobe is by still saying “Kobe” when they shoot a basket or shoot anything really. Now it sometimes invokes a feeling of loss now that Kobe is actually gone.
Although Kobe is gone, he will live on through his fans for as long as we remember him.