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Writer's pictureMarcus MacKay

Dear Kobe

Updated: Feb 17, 2020

I just feel sick.


No emotions, just ill.


Life this week felt like a post apocalyptic fever dream.


An overcast of numbness and emptiness.


Like, it feels as if this is a simulation made by omnipresent powers to test the majority of our population.


So many grieve for you, wallowed in pure heartache, and it kills me.


Some people don't know basketball, but almost everyone knows Kobe bean.


I'm hurt.


I'm hurt for the Altobelli family. I'm hurt for the Chester family. I'm hurt for your family.


I'm hurt for every single NBA player.


I'm not a Lakers fan, I wouldn't even say I was a big fan of yours. But... I'm a big fan of basketball, and basketball isn't going to be the same.


Kobe, I will never be able to do your basketball career justice. At this point, I don't know if anyone really can.


I'm really only able to say thank you.


So...thank you.


Thank you for giving my mom a reason to call my older brother "bean" when we were kids. He's 26 now, but she still busts it out on occasion.


Thank you for your undying support of the WNBA. I'm so happy you got to witness them receive some justice before you left us. Your advocacy for female athletics and the absolute positivity you display when exclaiming that you love being a girl dad is something the world needed. I hope I'm at least half the girl dad you were.


Thank you for all the moments that made me hate you. The daggers over Steve Nash, Dwayne Wade, and burying the entire existence of the Toronto Raptors. I loved hating you, it was easy. You were too damn good, you knew that though.


Thank you for your mentality. Whether it was intensity or insanity, it didn't matter. That pushed me to be better. An entire generation of hopefuls witnessed an obsession with improving yourself, and just how far that takes you.


Thank you for introducing us to Gigi. We all got to feel like we were a part of those sideline moments you had together. We got to see her grow up and share your passion for hoops. I can't even pretend to know how deep your father-daughter relationship was. The only thing that keeps me level is knowing that you and Gigi are together, forever.


Thank you for expanding the game of basketball beyond the United States borders. We have such a global love for this sport now that makes the world seem smaller and less divided.


It's hard for me to write anymore.


I hate seeing people sad.


People I truly care about are devastated.


I hope they can start smiling again.


I still see you sometimes though bean.


I see you in Russell Westbrook's competitiveness - Demar Derozan's post game - Jayson Tatum's footwork - Trae Young's clutch gene - Luka Doncic's fearlessness - Kyrie Irving's moxie - Victor Oladipo's work ethic - Devin Booker's mid-post work - Giannis Antetokounmpo's consistent improvement - Chris Paul's fadeaway - James Harden's confidence - Jalen Rose's nightmares - Derrick Rose's double pump reverses - Kevin Durant's face-up jumpshot - Kawhi Leonard's focus - Diana Taurasi's intensity - Lebron James' legacy - Liz Cambage's IDGAF attitude - Paul George's on ball defense - Maya Moore's sensibility - Andrew Wiggins' draft story - Jimmy Butler's passion - Klay Thompson's absolute cojones - Elena Della Donne's ability to dominate - Dion Waiters' shot selection - Donovan Mitchell's ability to carry - Damian Lillard's ice water - Carmelo Anthony's jab work.


I know I'll see more.


Life is fragile man.


I need to show more love to my friends and family, or they may never get to hear it.


I'll be better.


You've made me better before.


So for one last time, thank you.


Kobe Bryant lives forever.


Love Always,

Marcus


















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