Kobe Bryant, in the few short years he had following his illustrious playing career with the Los Angeles Lakers, accomplished more than some people do in a lifetime. Bryant founded a gym for premier athletes, won an Oscar, founded a non-profit, and got the ball moving on a number of children’s books. Beyond that, and perhaps most importantly, he was an involved father and husband.
Bryant was tragically killed in a helicopter accident in late January, a death that shocked the world, and especially the Los Angeles community. The outpouring of support outside of STAPLES Center, where so many iconic Bryant moments took place, was a clear and beautiful display of just that.