In a clip from the 1993 movie “Sandlot,” Babe Ruth’s character has a powerful message: “Remember, kid, there’s heroes and there’s legends. Heroes get remembered but legends never die. Follow your heart kid, and you’ll never go wrong.”
For the rest of time Kobe Bryant’s legend likely will only grow. The former Los Angeles Lakers superstar had an unstoppable drive on the basketball court and love for others off of it that inspired millions across the world.
The day after Bryant’s death in a helicopter crash, Tyner Academy senior standout Kobe Smith wore his No. 24 high school jersey shooting fadeaway jumpers in the gym to honor his namesake and favorite player.
“Kobe was one person I really looked up to. He was my role model even though I never met him,” Smith said. “I loved everything about his game, the hours he put in the gym when no one else was there. The way he loved basketball really meant a lot and has inspired me.”
Scoring 81 points against the Toronto Raptors on Jan. 22, 2006, among many highlights, Bryant had an attack mentality as fierce as any in sports history.