A Royal Pain
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A Tribute to the Great Kobe Bryant from a Kings Fan

By Gurjus Singh

SACRAMENTO, CA - JANUARY 07: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers shakes hands with Vlade Divac after the Lakers game against the Sacramento Kings at Sleep Train Arena on January 7, 2016 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA - JANUARY 07: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers shakes hands with Vlade Divac after the Lakers game against the Sacramento Kings at Sleep Train Arena on January 7, 2016 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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An unedited tribute from a Kings fan to the late, great Kobe Bryant.

On Sunday morning some unexpected news came out of Calabasas, Southern California which has now been confirmed by media outlets that Kobe Bryant and his 13-year daughter, Gianna, are two of 9 people dead in a helicopter crash. Many Kings’ players voiced their reactions on social media. With this sad news coming in it is time to reflect on the life of Bryant from a perspective of a Kings fan.

Kobe Bryant Brought The Competitive Spirit

Whenever the Los Angeles Lakers were in town, the Kings always tried to bring their A-game. There were plenty of occasions in which Bryant broke Kings’ fans hearts especially on buzzer-beaters, but Kings’ games were always fun when Kobe Bryant was in town! The Kings’ fans did develop a dislike for Bryant especially during 2001-2002 rivalry, but Bryant showed how special he could be and Kings’ fans appreciated the performances when he played against the Kings. During an interview before his pending retirement, he called the 2000 Kings one of his favorite opponents to play against.

  • In the Western Conference playoffs on May 28th, 2002 the Kings played in a heated battle with the Lakers, where Kobe scored 30 points, but the Kings ended up beating the Lakers 92-91.
  • Bryant scored 34 Points on March 4th, 2008 as the Lakers soared to victory after trailing by as many as 11 points in the game. Kevin Martin and Ron Artest each had 23 points for the Kings.
  • Bryant scores 38 points in a double-overtime victory in Sacramento 112-103 on December 26th, 2009.
  • Bryant beats the Kings on a Buzzer beater 109-108 on New Years Day 2010 in which he scored 39 points.
  • Kobe ended up scoring 36 points in an overtime victory 116-108 on April 13th, 2011 after the Kings rallied back in the fourth quarter, creating an entertaining game 82 before the Anaheim drama ended.

    • Kobe’s last game in Sacramento came on January 7th, 2016. The Kings ended up

    prevailing

    after giving up a huge lead. Kobe scored 28 points.

    Kobe Bryant mentored many professional athletes

    Bryant mentored many professional athletes. Recent players that were mentored by Bryant included Kings’ players De’Aaron Fox and Buddy Hield who were excited to learn from the knowledge that Bryant provided. Bryant also was an advocate for women sports, especially basketball. He wanted to provide equal opportunities for women in sports, and this was shown during a recent game that he took his daughter Gianna too.

    Kobe Bryant Showed Players How To Play Like A Warrior

    Bryant showed on the court that he was all about giving 100%, but also battled injuries including an Achilles injury late in his career. His work ethic on the court took him to top three on the all-time scoring list until LeBron James passed him on Saturday night. He also was a warrior because of how he played through several injuries, such as the Achilles injury, where he calmly nailed free throws before going to the locker room, and an ankle sprain he encountered during the NBA Finals, which he needed to play through while the Lakers were up 2-1 on the Pacers.

    Overall Thoughts

    With this news coming in, it is sad to see one of the great players pass away at such as young age. But fans have to remember there is more to life than just basketball, and these players are just as human as we are. One thing that Kobe showed people in all facets of life is the “Mamba Mentality”. This means to strive for greatness in whatever you do. He showed this throughout his basketball career, and also showed through it after retiring from the NBA, in his business ventures, coaching his girls, learning to speak languages, and teaching everyday people to strive for greatness.

    dark. Next. De'Aaron Fox Has The Tools To Be An Elite Defender

    During this time, NBA teams in the coming days will honor the legacy of Bryant. It will be a week to remember the life of Bryant and how he impacted the Kings as well.

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