By: Quintin Taylor

Kobe Bryant showed a generation of inspired basketball players how to play the game and what it took to become a great player. Bryant played like he had a chip on his shoulder; he had something to prove and he played like it. He was stubborn, but at the same time, he was determined to win. He helped his teammates so they could improve together and win.

Bryant once said, "I'll do whatever it takes to win games, whether it's sitting on a bench waving a towel, handing a cup of water to a teammate, or hitting the game-winning shot."

On Sunday, Jan. 26, Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gigi Bryant were among the nine killed in a helicopter crash in California. Kobe Bryant received many accolades during and after his basketball career. He was fourth on the NBA scoring list with 33,643 total points scored in the NBA. The Los Angeles Lakers retired his numbers, eight and 24 immediately upon retirement. Moreover, Bryant spent hours in the gym trying to perfect his game, from early mornings to late nights, he was dedicated to his craft. The way he went into every game wanting to win, no matter the situation was a major factor on why he left a mark in the basketball world.

On Monday, Feb. 24 the Staples Center hosted a memorial service for Kobe and Gianna Bryant. People from Vanessa Bryant, Shaquille O'Neal and Michael Jordan spoke at the service paying tribute to Kobe and Gianna. Kobe Bryant's wife Vanessa completed her remarks with: "They were funny, happy, silly and they loved life God knew they couldn't be on this Earth without each other. He had to bring them home to heaven together."

Kobe Bryant's Impact