Kobe Bryant was much more than an American hero. The 6ft 6in 212lb LA Lakers shooting guard was an international figure greatly respected worldwide.
And nobody made this clearer on Monday than Argentine soccer great Lionel Messi, the revered Barcelona captain. On hearing about Bryant’s tragic death, he said: “You (Bryant) were a genius like few others”.
Bryant, 41, and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California on Sunday. And NBA commissioner Adam Silver has confirmed it.
Five-time NBA champion Bryant transcended basketball after his selection in the 1996 draft, going on to spend his entire 20-year career with the Lakers.
A six-time Ballon d’Or winner, Messi joined the list of mourners, using Instagram to write, “I have no words… all my love for Kobe’s family and friends.
“It was a pleasure to meet you and share good times together. You were a genius like few others.”
Bryant was the face of the Lakers, even after his retirement in 2016.
Bryant scored 33,643 career points
With a total of with 33,643 career points, he was the fourth-highest scorer in NBA history. He was also a five-time NBA champion with the Lakers and an 18-time NBA All-Star. In 2008 he was named the NBA League’s Most Valuable Player.
And there is more. He was a two-time NBA scoring champion, twice an NBA Finals MVP as well as an 11-time All-NBA First Team selection.
Now that’s quite something, but the great man wasn’t only known for his scoring exploits. He was also a force at the other end of the court where he earned nine selections to the NBA All-Defensive First Team.
Beyond his NBA heroics, Bryant, who spent much of his youth in Italy, had a celebrated international career. He was one of the major catalysts behind Team USA’s amazing renaissance after it had disappointedly only earning a Bronze medal in the 2004 Olympics.
His firm commitment to play for Team USA in the 2008 Olympics helped draw in other million-dollar superstars, and players in that team have praised his work ethic and the impact that he had on the team’s mentality.
He led the team to a narrow victory over Spain for the Gold Medal in that year and later helped the Americans win again in 2012.
Here is a tribute issued by the highest body in professional basketball: “The NBA family is devastated by the tragic passing of Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna. For 20 seasons, Kobe showed us what is possible when remarkable talent blends with an absolute devotion to winning. He was one of the most extraordinary players in the history of our game.”