26th January. A day, forever a part of basketball lore, but for the worst of reasons. While the world was getting ready to fight through COVID-19, the NBA universe had to deal with another tragedy. It was midday when the news first came in: Kobe Bryant had passed away in a helicopter crash. While scrambling to find the authenticity of the source, wishing that it was a cruel prank, hoping that you read it wrong, a deep sense of foreboding had already taken over. The NBA world hasn’t been the same. Even though players, family, and fans have moved on, the hole left by Bryant is immeasurable. 4 years to this day, Scottie Pippen remembers an icon, remembers Mamba.

The Michael Jordan comparison is a constant that goes around Kob Bryant’s name. Due to his fandom, elevation of his playstyle, and similarities, the two will forever be intertwined. But today, it was his Chicago Bulls teammate that took center stage this time around. After MJ gave us the widely known teary-eyed GIF, Scottie was ready to air out his love for the Mamba.

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Alongside a carousel of photos of the two competing, was a caption. “Kobe Bryant – a fierce competitor and a cherished friend. You are deeply missed.” But, that wasn’t all. The 6x NBA Champion found old footage of an interview of the Los Angeles Lakers legend, where he gives the ‘genius‘ props for his foot speed and gameplay.

“If I’m a young player coming into the league today, I would really focus on the defensive end of the floor, and look at Scottie Pippen. I mean, this guy was a genius – ball pressure, playing passing lanes, blocking shots, taking charges. And he played with a passion on the defensive end of the floor like, ‘No, this is the most exciting part of the game.'”

Apart from the playstyle, that inspiration to posterity is another thing the 5x NBA Champion would end up emulating from Kobe Bryant.

The legacy of Kobe Bryant

The impact on the players was obvious from minute 1. While the Lakers had to take some time off their regular schedule, most of the NBA brotherhood felt the loss in some way or the other. Given the timing, a vast majority of the league had either played with or grown up falling in love with, Bean.

So, tributes ran galore. Whether it was an emotional Mike Breen, taking the first possession off, or any other way you could think of, the name Kobe had to live on forever. Even today, players keep the essence of that spirit alive. Either through competition, emulation, like with Devin Booker or Kyrie Irving, or remembering him in interviews.

Moreover, even the cream of the crop in the league, like Jayson Tatum with his purple wristband, or LeBron James with his #24 finger sleeve have done their best to keep the name of the legend alive. Because that is how the legends live on forever.

Their accolades and resumes might be impeccable but it is the impact they have on others for years to come that makes them truly immortal.

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