Tony Yassa – Staff Writer
As a kid growing up in Los Angeles, Kobe Bryant influenced me in more ways than I could ever recount here. Watching him dominate with injuries that others wouldn’t even attempt to play through made me want to be tougher. Seeing the effort he put in to remain on top motivated me to strive to be better in everything I did. The work-ethic and competitive drive he demonstrated inspired me in ways I don’t think I’m even fully aware of, as it likely did for most kids growing up in Lakers households over the past couple decades.
As a fan, however, one thing I’ll never forget is a feeling that I may never feel again. When Kobe Bryant was playing, there was always a sense that, no matter the situation, no matter the score, he was going to do something superhuman to get the Lakers a win. It was inevitable.
That feeling of complete confidence was built over countless memories of incredible game-winners, barrages of three-pointers to close impossible gaps, a competitive drive that forced Kobe to never give up, regardless of the situation. The fact that Kobe would take over down the stretch became commonplace, a foregone conclusion, and, although we didn’t win every game, his efforts rarely disappointed.
Now, as Kobe’s career winds towards its inevitable end, I wonder if I will ever feel that confidence again. As excited as I am about the Lakers future, I’m doubtful that any player on the team—or in the league for that matter—will ever be able to instill the type of confidence that Kobe Bryant did on a nightly basis.
Next: Shereen Ryan, Staff Writer