Following his two-decade stint with the Los Angeles Lakers, Kobe Bryant managed to transcend the sport with his success in business and cinema.
Bryant put the finishing touches on his legacy in basketball with five NBA Championships, two Finals MVPs, a league MVP and 18 All-Star appearances. His presence remains as prevalent as ever from the ‘Mamba Mentality’ he left behind to the shoes worn on most players’ feet.
Bryant famously went on to win an Oscar in 2018 for Best Animated Short for “Dear Basketball,” which was based on his retirement letter from basketball. He continues to be honored by those he impacted after Debbie Allen shared a heartfelt thanks for Kobe and the role he played in helping her accept the prestigious Governors Award at the 2021 Emmys ceremony:
Allen’s speech was one filled with both praise for those that have supported her and empowerment for the women from Texas to Afghanistan.