NBA: Kobe Bryant’s Message To Devin Booker Immortalized

The tragic death of Kobe Bryant has left a devastating impact not just in the NBA but throughout the world. Kobe was an icon and a figure that people looked up to. He embodied what it’s like to work hard to achieve the best version of themselves. He never settled for enough and was always finding a way to improve. This was what he advocated for in his Mamba Mentality – to be in a constant state of getting better.

Being elite wasn’t enough for Kobe. He wanted to go beyond what was expected of him. In his illustrious career, he managed to win an MVP award, tally five championships for the Lakers and was selected as an All-Star 18 times. When his basketball career was all said and done, he transitioned to the arts where he won an academy award for his short film Dear Basketball. He was a storyteller and someone who inspired people.

He has touched many lives including Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker. In 2016, Devin Booker received a signed shoe from the Black Mamba himself. It was during Kobe’s final year in the league and was imparting messages to the future of the league.

In Kobe and Booker’s final matchup, the Phoenix Suns edged the LA Lakers, 119-107. Kobe tallied 17 points while Booker had a phenomenal 28 points, seven assists and shot 12 out of 22 from the field.

Kobe then handed after the game a pair of shoes signed with the message, “Be Legendary” for the young guard.

Booker then recently got these words tattooed on his forearm. He posted on his Instagram that these are words to live by, having Kobe’s writing inked on him.

Booker is having one of the best seasons of his career. He is averaging 26 points, 6.4 assists and shooting 48.8% from the field. He was also selected as an All-Star reserve for the first time. He was a participant in what was a historic All-Star game as it featured a new format that finally brought out the intensity people were looking for – something Kobe would have appreciated.