The joy and excitement that comes with the calendar turning to a new year has already gone by the wayside — particularly in Southern California — as 2020 has seen the tragic passing of Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant and spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19).
Less than one month into 2020, the entire world mourned the loss of Bryant, his daughter Gianna and seven other passengers, after a helicopter that was transporting them to the Mamba Sports Academy crashed into a hillside on a foggy morning.
Bryant’s death sent shockwaves throughout Los Angeles and collective NBA community.