Dear Kobe
For Kobe
January 31, 2020
I was never a great basketball player. In fact, while playing was fun, I always found watching professional athletes in the NBA compete at the highest level much more exhilarating. Even though I have a new favorite player every day, there’s always been one who I’ve admired since I was 7 years old. Not only did this man have crazy basketball talent, he was a strong leader, teammate, father, husband and amazing person on and off the court.
That athlete was Kobe Bryant.
The very first NBA game I saw live in Oracle Arena was on Nov. 24, 2015 — Lakers at Warriors. Even though there were thousands of Warriors fans sporting their Curry, Thompson and Green jerseys, almost every single person in the crowd stood up when Kobe’s name was announced during the starting lineup. Some even yelled MVP. That was the moment I realized how great he truly was — fans and non fans alike respected Kobe and celebrated him throughout his career. He changed the game of
basketball forever.
A few days after the game, Kobe released his poem “Dear Basketball,” saying that he would announce his retirement after the ongoing season. While I was frustrated at first because of all the positive memories, I realized that he would still be the same guy with the same passion, grit and love we all admired him for, even if he wasn’t on the court. That poem assured me that he was going to continue to do great things for his family and aspiring young athletes.
The news of his death on Sunday was too difficult to process for myself and so many other people around the world. But even though we’re all feeling grief, there are aspects of Kobe worth celebrating, and that’s what we should remember to carry on. So here’s to Kobe, his inspiring poem and his legacy that kids generations down the line will still hear.
Dear Basketball,
From the moment
I started rolling my dad’s tube socks
And shooting imaginary
Game-winning shots
In the Great Western Forum
I knew one thing was real:
I fell in love with you.
A love so deep I gave you my all —
From my mind & body
To my spirit & soul.
As a six-year-old boy
Deeply in love with you
I never saw the end of the tunnel.
I only saw myself
Running out of one.
And so I ran.
I ran up and down every court
After every loose ball for you.
You asked for my hustle
I gave you my heart
Because it came with so much more.
I played through the sweat and hurt
Not because challenge called me
But because YOU called me.
I did everything for YOU
Because that’s what you do
When someone makes you feel as
Alive as you’ve made me feel.
You gave a six-year-old boy his Laker dream
And I’ll always love you for it.
But I can’t love you obsessively for much longer.
This season is all I have left to give.
My heart can take the pounding
My mind can handle the grind
But my body knows it’s time to say goodbye.
And that’s OK.
I’m ready to let you go.
I want you to know now
So we both can savor every moment we have left together.
The good and the bad.
We have given each other
All that we have.
And we both know, no matter what I do next
I’ll always be that kid
With the rolled up socks
Garbage can in the corner
:05 seconds on the clock
Ball in my hands.
5 … 4 … 3 … 2 … 1
Love you always,
Kobe
Dear Kobe,
From the moment
I saw you lead the Lakers,
Make not only a dynasty
But Staples Center your home,
I knew one thing was real:
You were a legend.
A legend that will always be remembered —
From demolishing the Raptors with 81 points
To reclaiming a gold medal for our country.
As an admirer of a legendary player
In awe of your every second on the court
I never thought this moment would come.
I remember each championship
And in each moment hoped for one more.
You took a step back from basketball.
But that was OK because knowing you,
You would continue to be the amazing man
Everyone knew you were.
Continuing to make anyone, everyone,
Respect the game.
From your basketball camps around the nation
To always being there for your daughters,
YOU were a legend.
Everyone respected YOU.
Because that’s what you did
You made non NBA fans respect you
In a way no athlete ever accomplished.
You built a foundation
And we’ll always remember you for it.
Which is why this news is too difficult to process.
Seeing my family and best friend shed tears,
I realized it wasn’t a dream.
Even after finding out five minutes later
It was already five minutes too late.
But now, after reflection — I realized it’s OK.
It hurts, but it’s OK.
Seeing fans line up outside the Staples Center,
Scrolling through tributes on Instagram
And the strong support I received, I realized
The love and respect you stood for
Will forever live on.
But we all know, no matter what’s happened
You will always be a legend.
The next kid who takes his failed math test
And tosses it into the trash
Will now scream
5 … 4 … 3 … 2 … 1
For KOBE!
Love you always,
Anjali