NBA legend Kobe Bryant dies in a helicopter crash at age 41. While he was primarily known for his 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers (winning 5 NBA championships), Bryant also left a mark in the entertainment industry. In addition to guest starring in TV shows and movies (including the comedy Daddy’s Home), Bryant won an Oscar in 2018 for his animated short film Dear Basketball, becoming the first former professional athlete to be nominated for and receive an Academy Award.
Born in Philadelphia in 1978, Bryant attended Lower Merion High School, establishing himself as the country’s top basketball player. He was drafted by the Charlotte Hornets in 1996, but his rights were later traded to Los Angeles. Over the ensuing two decades, Bryant became the latest in the growing line of Laker legends with an incredible list of accomplishments. He was named to 18 All-Star teams, won 5 NBA titles, 2 NBA Finals MVPs, and was named NBA MVP in 2008. Bryant ended his career with 33,643 points, ranking 4th-most in NBA history. Current Lakers star LeBron James just passed Bryant on the all-time scoring list.
News of Bryant’s death was first reported by TMZ, saying he died in a crash in Calabasas on Sunday, January 26. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski later tweeted Bryant’s daughter Gianna was aboard the helicopter. Bryant’s wife Vanessa was not on the vehicle:
Bryant was known for being a fierce competitor, and in his prime was one of the best two-way players in the NBA. Famous for his offensive prowess (winning two scoring titles), he was also named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team nine times. Bryant also won two gold medals playing for Team USA at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics. He retired following the 2015-16 NBA season, after some injury-plagued years that included a torn Achilles tendon. Bryant later transitioned into a media career, serving as an executive producer on the ESPN series Detail, where he broke down the play of some of the NBA’s top talents. The show has NFL-centered episodes hosted by legendary quarterback Peyton Manning. Bryant also lent his voice to installments of the popular NBA 2K video game series.
The Lakers retired Bryant’s two jersey numbers, 8 and 24, in 2017. In December 2019, Bryant was named one of the eligible candidates for the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame’s 2020 class. He presumably will be a first ballot selection, cementing his place among the sport’s all-time greats.
Rest In Peace Kobe Bryant: August 23, 1978 - January 26, 2020
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Source: TMZ, Adrian Wojnarowski
