Kobe Bryant. A husband and father first, but also an NBA player and Southern California Icon. The Black Mamba was a symbol of determination to follow your passion, and it was true for his entire life, which recently came to an end. On January 26, 2020, the world was shocked to learn about his passing in a helicopter accident, along with his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna. The others lost in the accident were John, Keri, and Alyssa Altobelli, Sarah and Payton Chester, Christina Mauser, and Ara Zobayan.
Losing Kobe Bryant made Los Angeles, the NBA, and people all around the world stop in time. Those who knew him watched him and respected him all felt the hurt of losing someone who made such an impact on this generationโs culture. Bryant retired from the Los Angeles Lakers in 2016 after 20 years and five championships. He had just begun his life after basketball, which included coaching his daughter Giannaโs basketball team. Fans flooded to the Los Angeles Staples Center wearing Lakers jerseys and brought with them flowers, memorabilia, and art after hearing the news. Almost a month after the tragedy, artists have created murals of Kobe and Gianna, all around the world. He retired from the Los Angeles Lakers in 2016 and had just begun his life after basketball, which included coaching his daughter Giannaโs basketball team.
The heart of Los Angeles beats through the bond of love shared for Kobe Bryant and his entire family. He left behind his wife, Vanessa, and daughters Natalia, Bianka, and Capri. But he also leaves behind a legacy of greatness, skilled perfection, and mental strength that you can feel when looking at the many murals found across the city. Here are #24 of our favorite works of art in the Southern California area to remember Black Mamba and Mambacita:
๐จ @rask_opticon โฃ ๐ธ @kobemural
๐22505 Crenshaw Blvd, Torrance
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โThe most important thing is to try and inspire people so that they can be great in whatever they want to do.โ โ Kobe Bryant
๐จ @alex_ali_gonzalez โฃ ๐ธ @kobemural โฃ
๐1921 N Highland Ave, Hollywood (Holiday Inn)โฃ
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โIโve always thought he was the best player in basketball. I donโt think itโs even close.โ โ NBA coach Alvin Gentry
๐จ @tykewitnesawr โฃ ๐ธ @kobemural
๐739 W 19th St, Costa Mesa โฃ
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โIโm reflective only in the sense that I learn to move forward. I reflect with a purpose.โ โ Kobe Bryant
๐จ @never1959 ๐ธ@nickcastillo96
๐1334 Lebanon St, Downtown Los Angeles (near Staples)
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โI see a lot of myself in him. No doubt about it.โ โ NBA legend Michael Jordan
๐จ @shanegrammerarts โฃ ๐ธ @kobemural
๐7753 Melrose Ave, LAโฃ
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โThe important thing is that your teammates have to know youโre pulling for them and you really want them to be successful.โ โ Kobe Bryant
๐จ @royyaldog ๐ธ @royyaldog
๐800 E 4th St at Alameda, DTLA
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โOnce you know what failure feels like, determination chases success.โ โ Kobe Bryant
๐จ @downtowndaniel ๐ธ@writebeaton
๐2471 Whittier Blvd, Boyle Heights (Holiday Bar)
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โTo my forever Valentine, I love you so much. Missing you so much on your favorite holiday. Te amo per sempre. Kisses to you and Gigi in heaven. Happy Valentineโs Day, my babies. With all my love, your boo-boo. โค๏ธโ โ Vanessa Bryant
๐จ @sloe_motions โฃ ๐ธ @sloe_motions
๐400 W Pico, DTLA (Hardcore Fitness)
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