By: Joshua Villegas

On Sunday Jan. 26, the world was engulfed with the the death of Kobe Bean Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter Gianna, and seven others. The 42-year-old former NBA basketball player died in a helicopter crash, which occurred in Calabasas California northwest of Los Angeles. Bryant was eulogized as not only a successful basketball player and businessman, but also as a man who valued family.

He attended Lower Merion High School in Ardmore, Pennsylvania where he became a basketball star, breaking records and collecting trophies and honors. As a senior, he was voted National High school player of the year by USA Today and Parade Magazine. Bryant entered the National Basketball Association (NBA) while still in High School and played his entire 20-season professional career in the league with Los Angeles Lakers. Bryant was born in Philadelphia on Aug. 23 1978. He began practicing basketball at the age of three. During his career as a basketball player, he won several awards such as NBA All-Rookie Team (1997), NBA All-Star (18 Time Winner) and ESPY Icon Award (2016) amongst his family and friends. Bryant was described as a person who meant well and cared for everyone regardless of their social class, age, or color.

On Monday Feb. 24, a public memorial for Bryant and his daughter took place at Staples Center. The event stroked tones of both intimacy and immensity for those came to celebrate Kobe’s role both as a global superstar and caring dad, husband, friend and little brother to many. For instance, Michael Jordan, a former NBA player and close friend to Bryant described him as a little brother.

"I loved Kobe- he was a little brother to me. We used to talk often, and I will miss those conversations very much" stated Michael Jordan.

As well as his wife Vanessa, "He was my everything, hoped to grow old together" stated Vanessa Bryant.

The date 02-24-20 is significant to the world as well as to his family and wife, Vanessa Bryant because the numbers have been related to Bryant and his daughter. The number 2 represents the number on Gianna's jersey, while 24 is the number on Bryant's jersey. Vanessa Bryant also revealed that 20 was the number of years she and Kobe were together in love. He brought an impact on others that fell in love with his craft and relationship with the game of basketball. As fans crowd the streets around Staples Center, Bryant will forever be memorialized.

The memorial was meant to be a reminder of how influential Bryant was in his societal roles, in Los Angeles impacting others on their decision and action in life that enhanced them to grow better as a person. The commemoration was an illustration of the value of a man who lived with others in peace and happiness.

Remembering the Life and Legacy of Kobe Bryant