Kobe Bryant: Gone, but Not Forgotten, a Legacy of Murals Still Inspiring Generations

Kobe Bryant: Gone, but Not Forgotten, a Legacy of Murals Still Inspiring Generations

Edwin Kiplagat
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:24 PM
  • It has been three years since Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna passed away in a helicopter crash
  • The crash claimed the lives of Payton Chester, Sarah Chester, Alyssa Altobelli, Keri Altobelli, John Altobelli, Christina Mauser, and the helicopter’s pilot, Ara Zobayan
  • Since his death, murals of purple and gold have been painted all over the world

It has been three years since Los Angeles Lakers and NBA icon Kobe Bryant tragically passed away. Bryant died along with his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, and seven others in a helicopter crash in Calabasas.

Since his untimely demise, the basketball icon has been honored all over the world. Murals of Bryant and his daughter Gianna were painted on streets and courts to memorialize him.

Kobe Bryant, Gianna Bryant, Vanessa Bryant, NBA, Lakers
Kobe Bryant inspired generations of NBA players. Photos by CHRIS DELMAS/AFP and Ezra Acayan.
Source: Getty Images

Many fans rank Bryant as one of the best players of all time, frequently appearing in the top 10 in many all-time lists. His killer mindset, 'Mamba Mentality' continues to inspire millions around the world.

Even in death, his influence still endures. From LA to the Philippines, artists from every corner of the world have painted murals of Bryant and Gianna to honor them.

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The five-time NBA champion was posthumously inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame on May 15, 2021. His wife, Vanessa, accepted the induction in front of Bryant's hero Michael Jordan.

Kobe Bryant's murals

Bryant inspired a generation of NBA superstars like DeMar DeRozan, Jayson Tatum, Kyrie Irving and many others, per the Athletic.

After his death, numerous murals of purple and gold emerged all over the world, a testament to his everlasting influence. Here are some comments from fans on the third anniversary of his death. Most of Bryant's mural have been documented on kobemural.com.

Kobe Bryant, Lakers, Gianna Bryant
A mural for Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna outside the Staples Center on February 1, 2020 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, CA. Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire.
Source: Getty Images

Most fans still can't believe Bryant is gone.

"And the world hasn't been the same since."
"Still can’t believe Kobe gone."
"3 years later and still doesn’t feel real. Miss you Bean #MambaForever"
"It will never feel real."
"I was thinking about Kobe today; didn’t even realize it made 3 years since the crash. Time goes by way too fast. RIP to them both and the other souls onboard."

Kobe Bryant's mindset

Bryant was known for his 'Mamba Mentality' mindset. His alter ego, 'Black Mamba', was inspired by Quentin Tarantino's movie Kill Bill. The Mamba Mentality is about obsession.

It is about putting your professional goal over having a normal life. It is about playing fearlessly not only to master your craft but also to dominate, per CBS Sports.

Bryant played 20 seasons, all with the Lakers, winning five NBA titles championships. He retired at the end of 2015/16 season.

Kobe Bryant, Lakers, NBA, Gianna Bryant
Fans posing in front of Kobe Bryant's mural. Photo by Keith Birmingham.
Source: Getty Images

Kobe Bryant jersey to be auctioned

Sports Brief earlier reported that Bryant's jersey worn during his MVP season will be auctioned in February 2023.

A jersey worn by Bryant in his rookie season, including two playoff games, was sold at auction for $2.73 million in June last year, after the jersey had been kept for 25 years.

If the jersey sells for around $5 to $7 million, the price the company is estimating, it would eclipse that of his rookie jersey sold in 2021.

Authors
Edwin Kiplagat photo
Edwin Kiplagat
Edwin Kiplagat has five years of experience in journalism working as a Sports Editor at Africa Insight Communications and ESPN. Edwin Kiplagat is a Bachelor's Degree holder in journalism from the Multimedia University of Kenya.