NBA: Remembering Kobe Bryant and reflecting on his incredible legacy

As the NBA fever is at an all time high in India, NBA has done a commendable job to get into the grass root level to build the game in this country. Though, as for the new fans who are too young and yet to understand the NBA as a whole, I would like to throw some light upon how NBA was already so famous among the Indian crowds with the great names of Michael Jordan, Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant.

The 80's and the 90's saw drastic changes in the league mostly because of the super stardom and high level performances of these elite players. Shattering records and winning back to back rings was extremely tough yet doable. The reason I mentioned Jordan, Shaq and Kobe was because they took a step further and instead of just a back to back title, they did the 'Three Peat' of winning three championships in a row. Its one achievement that NBA players hardly dream of. Because it's that tough.

A high school phenom, Kobe, went straight to the NBA and was drafted in the first round and then traded to the Lakers was probably the moment Kobe's fortune changed, not like nobody doubted his skills. But getting to the Los Angeles Lakers and getting mentored by the great Jerry West took his Basketball life to another level.

His will and desire to be the next alpha of the league was seen by all and was really admired by his peers. Kobe, a guard, has been so relentless in his approach for the game that he made NBA games so great to watch. Ardent fans with purple and gold jerseys would just be in any corner of the world. Kobe took the game of Basketball and NBA globally and was so well received that he became an Icon in China and other countries.

The early 2000's was the Lakers Dynasty as Shaquille and Kobe were the best 1-2 punch in Lakers' history. With Shaquille being dominating and Kobe being crafty, the playoffs were so magical to watch. And yes - the star duo completed the 'Three Peat'. They were clearly the most dominating team of the early 2000's on the planet.

Soon afterwards, Shaquille was gone to Miami Heat and Lakers came under the brunt of reorganising their team to a championship caliber roster. Kobe was pretty much a lone soul carrying the Lakers on his shoulders. But it was not enough to take on another team singlehandedly.

In between, Kobe had amazing games where he dropped 50 and above consecutively and not to forget the 81 points game against the raptors - the second most in the NBA history behind Wilt Chamberlain for a 100 point game.

An inspiration for future generations

Los Angeles Lakers v Phoenix Suns

Soon, Phil Jackson aka The Zen Master was back as the Head coach of the Lakers after a break and they restructured and reorganised the line up. In the year 2008, the Lakers met the Boston Celtics in the finals facing the big three of Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce. The Lakers lost to the Celtics in the finals and Kobe was actually in tears after the final game. He took this loss personally and needed to take revenge.

The ensuing off-season was extremely crucial for the Lakers. 2009 playoffs were suppose to be the ultimate showdown between Kobe versus LeBron James in the Finals. But instead, the Orlando Magic got the best of the Cavaliers and reached the finals facing the Lakers.

They won the 2009 championship with ease and got back on top once again. Something Kobe always wanted to achieve and worked hard for it every single day. With a similar rotation in the line up, this time the Lakers faced the Celtics in the finals. This is the moment which Kobe and the Lakers were waiting for.

The finals revenge, as they would call it. Kobe with a broken finger and great team plays overcame the huddle in a 7 games final series. This was his sweetest championship. The one with a revenge of the loss in 2008 finals.

Post 2010, Kobe had a few more prime years left in him but was sidelined with major injuries. The achilles, shoulder and ankle injuries took away a lot of his playing time. Recovering from such injuries and coming back with the same physical strength is rare. Kobe still managed to be aggressive at times after his comeback from all the major injuries. But, it wasn't enough anymore to turn Lakers into a winning place.

Kobe, then announced his retirement and the whole world was in a major shock as he is seen as a role model for millions of people all across the globe. Kobe was honoured by all different teams in his last season and to top it all up, he dropped 60 on Utah Jazz in his final game of his NBA career.

The current new generation players who are entering the league now have grown up watching Kobe, there are so many who takes his advice and feel privileged to be around him. The current NBA stars do miss a person like Kobe whose so dominating and aggressive and also very demanding to be great every singe time.

Kobe is not just a basketball phenom but an inspiration to the next generation. Kids have picked up his game and idolise him. NBA without Kobe Bryant was a hard fact which dint go down well with a lot of them.

But at the same time, the next generation is bringing their own talent and making history in their own way. Kobe Bryant is also an example of a global idol. He is so famous in Asia especially China. He already has a statue in China. Making waves all across the world with his basketball talent is so godly and beautiful.

Kobe Bryant is a Legend and will continue to have a huge role on how NBA is today.