I never got to meet Kobe Bryant. I only watched him play live twice. Yet, news of his death in a helicopter crash with eight other passengers (including his 13-year-old daughter) lands like a haymaker to the gut. A devastating blow on so many levels.

I have been a Laker fan my whole life. I have been a Kobe fan since they drafted him. Growing up in Indonesia, only marquee NBA teams were part of the sparse basketball broadcast in a soccer-crazed country. The mid-90s Lakers were far from a great team but still made TV in Jakarta, a hangover from the great Showtime Laker days. As a nine-year-old who's fandom options were the Lakers or Jordan's Bulls, whom everyone else loved, I chose the Lakers. The first few years were rough, but by the time I got into high school Kobe's Lakers were the team. My best friend and I would schedule sleepovers based on the playoff schedule. The alarm would go off at an ungodly hour, and we'd rub the sleep from our eyes as we prepared to watch Lakers v. Blazers, Lakers v. Sixers, Lakers v. Spurs, Lakers v. Nets. Whether shooting baskets in the playground or pulling back for a scrap paper swish through the trash can, it was always, "Kobe!"

The Lakers were Kobe, and Kobe was the Lakers. My favorite player, hands down, no question.

I remember where I was when he won his first championship; when he won a title without Shaq; when he jumped over a car; when he dropped 81 against the Raptors; the Kobe jaw; the busted Achilles; when he beat the Celtics in 7; 60 in his last game. Now, I'll always remember where I was when I found out of his untimely death.

I mourn Kobe's passing in many ways. As a fan who loved watching him and practice a craft, inspired by the dedication to perfection. As a businessperson, excited to see what the promising next chapter of his life would bring. As a spouse and father, unable to fathom the pain his family must be feeling. My heart goes out to them and the families of all those that died in the accident.

No one can escape death, not even demigods, but this feels different. Unfair. The world lost a legend too soon in a tragic reminder of life's fragility.

Rest In Paradise, Kobe. Thank you for the memories.

*****

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