#MambaForever: Murals across America honor Kobe Bryant’s legacy
As the world continues to reel from the loss of NBA great Kobe Bryant, artists across the country have chosen to express their grief through inspiring, imaginative displays in his honor.
The 41-year-old five-time NBA champion, his daughter Gianna, 13, and seven others were killed in a helicopter crash near Calabasas, California, on Sunday morning. Since then, everyone from President Trump to his close friends and teammates, including LeBron James, have shared their tributes and condolences to the Bryant family and the others, including John Altobelli, a longtime college baseball coach, his wife, Keri, and daughter, Alyssa, who died Sunday.
I'm Not Ready but here I go. Man I sitting here trying to write something for this post but every time I try I begin crying again just thinking about you, niece Gigi and the friendship/bond/brotherhood we had! I literally just heard your voice Sunday morning before I left Philly to head back to LA," James wrote in an Instagram post Monday. "Didn't think for one bit in a million years that would be the last conversation we'd have. WTF!! I'm heartbroken and devastated my brother!!"
As those close to Bryant, including wife Vanessa, grieve in silence, his fans who loved him from a distance have gathered at newly crafted art murals, the Staples Center and beyond to express their adoration for the basketball icon.
»MORE: Kobe Bryant's pilot asked flight controllers for assistance
Graffiti artist Jules Muck created a colorful, heartwarming tribute to Bryant and his daughter in less than 24 hours after the tragic crash. The mural reads “Kobe & Gigi. Forever Daddy's Girl.”
“I feel that what he did with his fame as far as his camps and training and work with his daughter and other young people was pretty awesome, especially that he died in that service,” Muck told CNN on Monday.
Take a look at Muck’s creation and the other artistic tributes that have cropped up across America in honor of The Mamba.
In Los Angeles ...
At some existing murals, fans gathered together Monday to pay tribute and create makeshift shrines to the Los Angeles Lakers legend. The Mamba on Melrose mural was one of the spots were many have gathered since Bryant’s death.
»RELATED: Kobe Bryant honored with mural at Historic Fourth Ward Skatepark
In Boston ...
In Dallas ...
In Atlanta ...
— mike luckovich (@mluckovichajc) January 27, 2020
About the Author
Stephanie has been telling stories her whole life. Her interest in the written word started with short stories and journal entries about run-ins with classroom bullies as a child and matured to writing for her high school newspaper over the years. She has written and edited for The Tennessean, Augusta Chronicle and American City & County.
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