Bigger than Basketball: Kobe Bryant's Impact In Our Lives

To be honest, I'm still struggling to get a grasp into the reality that the legendary Kobe Bryant is no longer with us. And I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one who is wishing that this is only a bad dream that we're not waking up from. Unfortunately, this is not a bad dream. 

It has been more than 24 hours since we lost Kobe Bryant, his 13-year old daughter, Gianna Bryant, and 7 other lives when the helicopter that they were flying in crashed in Southern California. Kobe was 41.

Since the news first broke out of the social media, messages of condolences to the Bryant family, particularly to Vanessa Bryant, and to the families of the other passengers on board, are pouring like a non-stop rain. 

For non-basketball fans, Kobe Bryant was probably just a famous celebrity whose name they only hear and see on TV. 

But for us basketball fans in general? He is more than just a famous celebrity. 

For us, he is our hero.

For us, he a legend.

For us, he defines the true meaning of what competition should be.

And yes, some of today's basketball stars, both local and overseas, are playing because they grew up watching Kobe Bryant. In fact, some NBA players have admitted that they based their playing style on how Kobe Bryant used to play. Those fadeaway jumpers that seemed unguardable. Those rim-rattling dunks that make you question whether we are still witnessing reality or fantasy. Those clutch shots and buzzer-beaters that had us rise from our seats. Yep, including me in a wheelchair.

Kobe Bryant's impact in our lives goes beyond the game of basketball itself. Kobe Bryant is bigger than the game itself.

He made us fall in love with the game of basketball more and more. He personified the true meaning of being competitive not just in the game but also in life. His Mamba Mentality, his "just do it" mindset is something that players are trying to live by and if you have something that the entire world of basketball is trying to keep alive in your honor, that is a big impact that you can have on people. That alone is more than enough reason why Kobe Bryant is considered one of the greatest basketball icons of our time.  

Want another reason why Kobe Bryant has been a big impact on the lives of past and present fans?

Whenever someone throws a piece of crumpled paper into a trash can, you will hear that person yell "KOBE!" while throwing the paper as if that person is shooting a basketball. Sure, the name "Steph Curry" would also be heard but in most cases, it's Kobe's name. 

Last night, Filipino fans gathered at 8:24 PM in various locations to commemorate the greatness of the legendary Kobe Bryant. For Filipino fans, it's as if we lost a dear friend who we'll never meet. It's like you have lost a part of your soul. That's how loved Kobe Bryant is. That's how irreplaceable he is As they say, heroes come and go but legends? Legends stay forever.

Kobe Bean Bryant might be gone but his impact in our respective lives will live on even after we pass on. 

Photo is from Business Insider