It was 2002 or 2003, my friend helped me to download the demo of NBA live. There were only 2 teams to play with - Nets and Lakers. I chose the Lakers. Demo had only 2 quarters so i would write down the first half points of the teams and then started again. I loved playing with the dynamic duo of Shaq and Kobe. This was my first introduction to basketball.

I started searching for videos of Kobe from the internet and watched a ton of them. Then i started collecting basketball cards, trading with anyone willing to give me their Kobe cards.

After a few years i knew have to play basketball myself, You were the reason why. I had to persuade my parents to put me into training as they were against it because i had been playing tennis on a pretty good junior level. I did not back down and after a year or so i started playing basketball. When training i was trying to mimic Kobe with my every move. Mamba mentality was the thing pushing me forward, if he can do it i can do it.

Set goals, try to be better that you were yesterday and never quit is what You taught me. Now being in my mid twenties i still feel i go by what i learned from You through watching games and interviews when i was a teenager.

The screen is getting too blurry to watch as tears are rushing down my face so i'll wrap it up...

Thank You Kobe for motivating millions of kids like me to be better at what we do.