Anthony Davis Speaks Volumes About Kobe Bryant’s Impact on People

Anthony Davis has been part of the Los Angeles Lakers for 18 months, and knows the impact Kobe Bryant had on the entire nation. On Saturday, the Lakers big man talked about Kobe’s impact on and off the court. The Chicago native was surprised to see that Kobe had done a lot outside basketball courts.

“I didn’t know, and I know he was very, very known and popular, but I didn’t know he impacted so many people’s lives outside of basketball,” AD said. “From soccer, to football, to players overseas, to people who don’t even play sports, they’re always talking about the ‘Mamba Mentality.’ I didn’t know how impactful he was worldwide. … I just didn’t realize how many people he impacted worldwide that’s outside the basketball community.”  

Anthony Davis praised Kobe Bryant

Davis knew that Kobe had a big role in the NBA, but only since his death did AD understand the full strength of Kobe’s global influence.

Kobe’s unexpected death had a big impact on the NBA. It hit the Lakers hard because he had a big role in the organization. Kobe spent 20 years with the same team and his legacy is stronger than ever. LeBron James, AD and every other Lakers player followed Kobe’s footsteps. He motivated and inspired many NBA players.

LeBron and Kobe had established a deep kinship throughout their entire careers. The four-time NBA champion spoke to Kobe right before his death. They were on the phone the morning of Jan. 26, and Kobe congratulated LeBron for passing him on the NBA’s all-time scoring list in his final tweet.

Los Angeles won’t commemorate the anniversary of Kobe’s death. The team doesn’t want to draw added attention to the horrible tragedy. The memory of Kobe Bryant will always live. Lakers players will try to keep his legacy alive. Kobe’s legacy will continue to live on through millions of people.

Kobe and his daughter Gianna died on Jan. 26, 2020, and seven other people lost their lives in the helicopter crash. Los Angeles won the championship in Orlando to honor the Black Mamba. It was the best tribute to the Lakers legend.