DEAR KOBE,
Thank you for never being comfortable or complacent. Thank you for watching your dad and deciding to not only follow in his footsteps, but to strive to be the best.
Thank you for giving Los Angeles every part of you, even when it was hard. Thank you for giving us your hustle AND your heart. Thank you for the constant sacrifice of your body, your mind, and your soul. Thank you for never quitting, even when that seemed like the easier route. Thank you for never giving up on a play, never letting up on an unsuspecting player who underestimated you; whether they were a rookie or an all-star. Thank you for showing up on all the late nights and early mornings just to perfect your art. Thank you for always defending the City of Angels over any other bum city. Thank you for sticking with us, even when some of us doubted you. Thank you for fighting through some dark and ugly trials, but not letting it consume you. Thank you for continuing to rise, continuing to fight, for being the fearless, stealthy, menacing Black Mamba.
Thank you for pushing through injuries and going against the screams of pain in your mind; for leaving it all on the court. Thanks for the infamous 81 point game that woke up NBA fans and players across the league. Thanks for beating the Celtics multiple times and keeping Boston on their toes. Thank you for the Olympic medals and for demonstrating that a competitor can also be a brother when there is a common goal. Thank you for inspiring players like the young rookies today. Thank you for giving Angelenos something to believe in. Thank you for expanding my love for the game, and for redefining what it means to be great. Thank you for always being that that kid with the rolled up socks, garbage can in the corner, :05 seconds on the clock.
