My name is Adhiraj and since my childhood I have always been inclined towards sports, but it wasn't until class 10th that I started playing basketball. When I first searched the word basketball on the net the picture I saw was of you, Michael Jordan and LeBron James, who are considered as the Mount Rushmore of Basketball. I believe that you are one of the greatest players, if not the greatest basketball player of all time who has influenced the lives of millions of children and adults.
Having heard various stories and incidents about your work-ethic and killer mentality, you have not only created this love and respect for the game but also for you in me. You have been a true inspiration to the youth of the whole world whether it be the wrong side fadeaways or the contested jumpers with 5 men on you. Looking at your resume which is full of championships, medals, MVPs and what-not, are just a small part of a great personality like you.
Whenever a person thinks about the Los Angeles Lakers the first name that pops up in the head of every fan is Kobe Bryant. Is this because you were loyal and played at your best level for 20 years even through pain at times or the fact that you led the Lakers to the championship 5 times or is it because you not only have one jersey retired in your name but two, no. 8 which symbolises the young Kobe, the first ten years of your career or is it the no. 24, which symbolises the "old" Kobe or as you liked to call it the Kobe who lost all his hair.
Your excellent work-ethic and focus has given you the name, The Black Mamba. Your focus for the game is truly incredible. According to me, you are one of the greatest scorers of all time and the fact that you scored 81 points against the Toronto Raptors just gives it sufficient evidence.
During your NBA career, your name was synonymous to clutch and difficult shots. You are responsible for the love of basketball that most of the kids of this generation have, including me. You also symbolise a player who is fearless and does whatever it takes to win. If you ask me who was the guy who made me see basketball in a different way, it would be you, if you ask me who I think has affected the game of basketball whether it be on the court or off the court, it would be you, if you ask who is the most influential basketball player of all time, it is you, Kobe Bryant. The fact that every player bites their tees while playing or takes their tongue out while doing defence or shouts KOBE after hitting any shot whether it be a basketball or your laundry are just a few things that you have done. Your work ethic and love for the game just gave a person like me, who had never played basketball ever, a will and passion to do so. I just can't imagine living in a world without you. Your departure from this world has truly left our hearts with a vacuum which can never be filled.
Missing you.
Yours Truly,
Adhiraj Singh
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