Kobe Bryant died Sunday morning at the age of 41 in the crash of his helicopter, which occurred in Calabasas, in southern California. The information, revealed by the American celebrity news site TMZ, has been confirmed by several media outlets, including ESPN and the Los Angeles Times.
Kobe Bryant, father of four, was the star of the legendary Los Angeles Lakers franchise for twenty years, winning five NBA titles. He is one of seven players to have scored more than 30,000 career points. He was dispossessed of third place in the rankings on Saturday night by current Lakers star LeBron James.
Accident in the mist
The Los Angeles Times reports foggy conditions in the Calabasas hill region, citing sources without naming them. The former player’s private helicopter accident happened just before 10 a.m. in California, according to reports from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office. It started a fire that made it difficult for firefighters to gain access to the crash site. The newspaper said five people were on board and none had survived. We do not yet know the causes of the drama.
60 points against Utah Jazz
Bryant played his last game in April 2016, concluding his amazing career by registering… sixty points against Utah. When it was time to bow out, the Lakers number 8 and 24 (he successively wore the two jerseys), champion in 2000, 2001, 2002, 2009 and 2010, MVP in 2008, held no less than nine NBA records. Forming a shock duo with Shaquille O’Neal for several seasons, the “Black Mamba”, born in Philadelhpie, was one of the biggest stars of the post-Michael Jordan era, many of whom made him his successor.
Bryant twice Olympic champion
The rear had been drafted in thirteenth position in 1996 by the Charlotte Hornets but had been directly transferred to Los Angeles. All without going through university. Eighteen times selected for the All-Star Game, Kobe Bryant also won twice the gold medal at the Olympic Games, in 2008 and 2012. He displays statistics of 25 points per match (three seasons at 30 or more, including that of 2005/06 at 35.4), 5.2 rebounds and 4.7 assists.
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