Members of the Los Angeles Lakers family will celebrate the life of Kobe Bryant inside the Staples Center on Monday afternoon. Sadly, Bryant died in a helicopter crash outside Los Angles one month ago.
In the days since his tragic passing, more than 80 murals of the five-time champion and Lakers legend have sprung up in and around the city, according to a report from ESPN's Ramona Shelburne.
Over 80 murals have been painted of Kobe around LA since his death. “I see him as a soldier of life: somebody that brought passion, to never give up, to inspire everyone, somebody that will do anything to make you a better person." —@MrBrainwash https://t.co/cN0etyiLFX
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) February 24, 2020
All nine passengers on the helicopter, including Kobe's 13-year-old daughter Gianna, perished in the tragic accident. According to multiple accounts, the group was on its way to the Mamba Sports Academy, where Kobe was to serve as a coach for his daughter's basketball team.
Lakers fans aren't the only ones mourning Bryant's passing. In fact, NBA fans around the globe are creating unique memorials to remember his outstanding legacy. One group of creative fans in the Philippines created a touching mural of Kobe embracing his daughter on an outdoor court in Manila.
Article Continues BelowBasketball fans in the Philippines painted a giant mural of Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna inside a neighborhood basketball court in Manila as tribute to the @Lakers legend. https://t.co/h0JGLj1yOG pic.twitter.com/6cJx6wf48z
— CBS Mornings (@CBSMornings) January 28, 2020
After news of Bryant’s passing was made public, hundreds of mourning Lakers fans began showing up at Staples Center Plaza. They remained for days, leaving flowers, notes, jerseys, basketballs and all sorts of memorabilia as a sign of respect.
At 41 years of age, Kobe Bryant was taken from this world far too soon. However, the memories he left, as well as his “Mamba Mentality,” will live on forever.
Join us in sending condolences to the families involved.