It’s January 26th, 2020. My girlfriend and I are at a friend’s house for some brunch. It’s about 11:30 am, and my phone’s just blowing up with texts about Kobe Bryant’s death. At first, I thought this was a joke and ignored them. A few minutes past by and I was like alright let me see what’s going on.

It’s real.

I immediately started choking up in front of all these people at my friend’s house. I had to excuse myself for a minute and feel all the emotions that were running through me.

Kobe Bryant was more than just a basketball player to me. I grew up in Los Angeles and watched him play basketball my entire life. I loved going home from a long day of school to watch the Black Mamba just put on a show on the hardwood. Or yelling, “Kobe!” as I throw some trash in the trash can.

Kobe not only inspired me to play basketball, but taught me the importance of hard work, dedication, and discipline. He taught me to keep working on your game and to focus on growth.

I remember wanting to be Kobe. I wanted to be fearless, unstoppable, relentless, just like him. I remember spending days in college by myself in the evening, just watching every single interview and trying to absorb every ounce of his wisdom, mamba mentality, and confidence.

I’ve studied everything about him from his upbringing in Italy to his game-winning shots as a Lakers to his business ventures. I had dreams of working with Kobe Bryant and meet him one day not only as a fan but as someone that he respected.

When you grow up as a kid, you idolize your heroes and believe that they’re invincible. Then life takes its place and sends a message to the world like this.

I’ve been missing you, Kobe, since your 60-point game against the Jazz, and now I miss you even more.

Thank you, Kobe, for leading by example. Thank you for showing up at every game you possibly could and leaving everything you had on the court. Thank you for everything!

I’m deeply saddened and send my condolences to the Bryant family.

Love you, Kobe! I’ll leave you all with this ridiculous dunk by the Black Mamba. Rest in peace

#Mambaout