Remembering Kobe Bryant, one year after his tragic passing

While talking to various fans about Kobe’s career and what their favorite Bryant game was a theme arose rather quickly, the day Bryant scored 81 points versus the Raptors. The truly elite NBA players create snapshot moments for themselves, some create more than one, for LeBron James, it was his chase-down block in the Finals versus Golden State, for Russell Westbrook his game-winner in Denver the day he broke Oscar Robertson’s triple-double record, Damian Lillard’s is hitting a mid-court game and series-clinching 3 over Russ’ Thunder.

For Bryant though, his snapshot moment was the day he scored 81-points in the Staples Center.

Lea also provided this quote about Kobe’s 81 point explosion versus the Raptors:

"The best game Bryant ever played, hands down his 81 point game against Toronto. I don’t think a player of Bryant’s skill, will, and mind-set will ever play in the league again."

Thompson also chimed in on the historic performance:

"My favorite Kobe moment? 81 vs Toronto. That Lakers team stunk and he was by FAR the best player on the team. Had the total team’s defensive attention and still went for 81 in a comeback victory."

Today should serve as a celebration of life for John, Keri, and Alyssa Altobelli, Sarah and Payton Chester, Kobe and Gianna, Christina Mauser, and Ara Zobayan, they are all gone, but they will never be forgotten.

If you do one thing today, make it a kind gesture to put a smile on someone’s face under their mask, to honor one, or all nine of these kind souls.