The first time I saw Kobe Bryant was at a Lakers vs. Jazz game in Salt Lake City on January 11th 2012. Here are a few pieces of memory from that game:

I hated Kobe Bryant from the moment I knew of his existence right up until his very last NBA game. Even in the video above you can tell how I wasn’t alone; Jazz Nation was quick to boo him too during that game. It wasn’t only until his retirement game I realized the impact he had on the game of basketball. As a player I hated him because he would completely dominate his opponents, and in some of those cases were teams I supported, like the New Jersey Nets (present day Brooklyn Nets).

His last game was coincidentally enough against the Utah Jazz. I watched the whole thing from beginning to end. I remember that night the Golden State Warriors also broke the NBA single season wins records; I didn’t even bother looking at their game, or box score because I knew that Kobe’s last game was going to be one hell of a show and I was not disappointed. Kobe and the Lakers definitely knew how to put a show that night. The event kicked off with this video:

Hopefully the video started at the 3 minute mark, that’s when it gets good. The first time I watched I almost about went into tears when my favorite player, Carmelo Anthony shared his message. Then I definitely went into tears with Gasol, and Odom. I was living in Utah by the time Kobe was dominating with them, so I first hand witnessed this.

To me Kobe is an example to follow anywhere. People will criticize you, will doubt you, will point fingers, at the end of the day does it matter what others say? Specially if it’s a fan like many of us were. He was the ultimate competitor and worked to be the best at what he does. Put in a great amount of effort and time into what he loved. Even after leaving the game of basketball excelled at what he decided to dedicate himself to. Won an Oscar for his work in the ESPN Series Detail, was a great father, and a great mentor to future basketball generations.

Another thing, that’s really important that his sudden death reminds all of us is how vulnerable we’re to death. It will happen sooner, or later. What matters and what we can control is how we react to that understanding… Don’t procrastinate, remind those you love that you love them, live each day as if it were your last, because one day it will be.

R.I.P. Kobe Bryant you will be missed.

TL;DR Kobe’s a G.O.A.T.; Hated throughout his career, became a fan at his retirement game. Always be the best you can be, and treat each day as your last one. May he R.I.P.