Da Windy City
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In Memory: Kobe Bryant took reigns from Michael Jordan and ran with them

By Vincent Parise

ORLANDO, FL - FEBRUARY 26: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers and the Western Conference looks to pass the ball against Derrick Rose #1 of the Chicago Bulls and the Eastern Conference during the 2012 NBA All-Star Game at the Amway Center on February 26, 2012 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - FEBRUARY 26: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers and the Western Conference looks to pass the ball against Derrick Rose #1 of the Chicago Bulls and the Eastern Conference during the 2012 NBA All-Star Game at the Amway Center on February 26, 2012 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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The Chicago Bulls legend handed the reigns of the greatest player in the world to an up and coming legend from the Los Angeles Lakers.

Sometimes it is hard to find words when there is a heavy tragedy in the sports world. TMZ was first to report that Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant died in a helicopter accident on Sunday morning. He was just being a good dad on a Sunday by taking his daughter and a teammate of hers to their travel basketball game before the accident.

It struck the sports world in a way that not many can. He was one of the very best basketball players who ever lived. In fact, he took the reigns from Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan as the best player in the league. It was clear in Kobe’s early days that he wanted to replicate what Michael did and try to be better. He came close to the stature of Jordan in his career while making something of his own name.

Jordan was a 14-time NBA All-Star while Kobe was selected 18 times. Jordan went to the NBA Finals six times and won all six while Kobe was a five-time NBA Champion. They were both also multiple time NBA scoring champions. One was the best player for a while before handing off the torch to the other. They both knew that they were amongst the greatest athletes to ever live.

It is hard to talk sports when losing such a legend in such a tragic way. We are brought together by sports, as they connect all of us in so many different ways. Kobe connected our two cities in the sports world but he brightened up the world with the ability to smile while maintaining his incredible level of competitiveness. His will to win was insatiable and it showed in his effort on and off the court. Kobe Bryant kept the NBA evolving on and off the court during and after his career. He appeared to go about his business in a way that we should all aspire to.

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From Jordan to Kobe, we were able to witness some of the greatest players to ever play the game in a short amount of time. We were robbed of seeing what Kobe would have brought to the world in the second half of his life but we know it would have been great. He was 41 years old and will be missed by all.

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