Kobe Bryant in the 80s and 90s: rare archival photos of a bygone legend

Kobe Bryant, basketball legend, former Los Angeles Lakers star, one of the greatest players in the history of the National Basketball Association, died in a helicopter crash on January 26. The athlete was 41 years old. Let's take a look at a small collection of Bryant's archival photos from the 80s and 90s.

There were nine people on board the helicopter in which Bryant died — including the basketball player himself and his daughter. The helicopter crashed, crashing into the slopes of Calabasas, California. Gianna "Gigi" Bryant, the 13-year-old daughter of a basketball player, also died in the crash.

The girl was an aspiring basketball star, and Bryant often shared her photos and videos on social networks. He called her "Mambacita" — from his nickname "Black Mamba".

One of the greatest basketball players in history, Kobe Bryant was an NBA legend who won five league titles and broke a number of records during a 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers.

He also won two Olympic gold medals with the USA basketball team and even won an Oscar after leaving his basketball career.

Here is a short segment from the memories of Black Mamba about how he fell in love with basketball and what challenges he threw to himself and opponents.

I loved the sound of the ball. Specific "tap", "tap", "tap" when the ball hits the parquet. Purity and clarity. Predictability. The sound of life and light."

I wouldn't say that my leadership mentality has undergone any changes over the years. I liked to challenge people and put them to the test. That's what leads to introspection, and that's what leads to self-development. You could say I encouraged people to make the most of their opportunities."