Some more random Kobe thoughts:
- He was probably one of the first true international stars of the NBA. Yes, Jordan and Magic were well recognizable, and the 92' dream team first showcased their talent for the world, but once the NBA made a push to promote itself internationally in the late 90's he was the league's face. A lot of athletes promote sneakers and sports drinks - Kobe was a spokesman for Turkish Airlines too.
- While Kobi/Kovi is a common nickname for people named Jacob/Yaakov in Israel and the Jewish world - there are a ton of kids in the secular world named Kobe after him. Maybe their parents named them out of fandom, but hopefully those kids will grow up, understanding his pursuit of excellence, and draw on that to develop their own work ethic.
- Kobe's work ethic is legendary. Could you imagine how much taking his work ethic into account would help us in our own fields?
- My kids asked me if I thought it was harder for Kobe's wife to lose her daughter or her husband. Without hesitation, I replied "her daughter". The hardest thing I've ever done in my life was inform my grandmother of my mother's passing. There is no grief in this world that compares to losing a child - no matter if the child is a toddler or a 60 year old. Children should bury their parents (g-d willing after 120 years) but never the other way around.