Kobe Bryant Memorial at L.A. Live – Los Angeles Sentinel

“Kobe is a reason to be successful. He played even when he was hurt. No days off with his mentality. I’m out here showing respect to somebody who worked harder than everybody in his era.” – July, Inglewood

“Kobe is one of the greats. He was like the next Jordan out here, he took over the game like Jordan did in 93’. Jordan handed it off to Kobe and he took over for the next 20 years. I’m representing in my #8 jersey, his number when he first started. Rest in peace Kobe.” -Ray Cook, South Central LA

“Kobe was my favorite player. He was the Michael Jordan of our generation. I wanted to come out and show love.” -Andrea Williams, Florida

“I’m here from Florida, it’s ironic that Im here for my birthday. I’m happy to have experienced this sad occasion day my heart goes out to his family.” -Octavia Williams, Florida

“I’m here to show my love, support and condolences for Kobe’s family.” -Nicole Henry, Florida

“I have good memories of Kobe playing basketball. I try to replicate his jumper.” -Henry Angel, LA

“Kobe was the greatest, he was the best.” – Dave, LA

“In the U.K. we call him the G.O.A.T (Greatest of All Time). We’re from London, everyone loves Kobe there. He played in the 2012 London Olympics. It’s nice to be surrounded by everyone who has the same passion about him.” -Miles and Michael, London

“Kobe means inspiration and to keep going harder for your dreams. We love him.” -Akena, L.A.

“I will remember Kobe when throwing a basket in the trash, 81 points, 60 points at retirement, Achilles injury and broken fingers. He was the definition of perseverance under pressure. He was our diamond. I have nothing but appreciation for everything he gave to LA.” -Martina Araula, Bellflower

“His work ethic, giving us back-to-back championships. We have one of the biggest legends representing L.A., thanks to Kobe.” -Andrea Stepter, La Mirada

“Kobe meant everything to me. His free-throw shots passed Michael Jordan’s, I thought that was amazing. I always watched him growing up. He’s been one of the greatest players to play the game and he will go down as one of the greatest and a legend.” -Kendall Carter, Alabama

“Kobe Bryant meant commitment and dedication to the sport of basketball and also to his family and lifestyle.” -Erica Talbot, Louisville, Kentucky

“Legend, an Icon, A Role Model, A Great Family Man and A Great Father. LA, The Whole city will miss you.” – Dante King L.A.

“Fan or no fan you had to respect the determination and tenacity KOBE brought to the game of basketball. Rest well Black Mamba & MambaCita 💛💜 #24 #2 As a native L.A. girl who loves her city, I am truly saddened by this tragic event. Prayers to all.” Kimberly Davis L.A.

) “Kobe was a lightning rod … loved and revered but somewhat aloof while he played … truly an iconic figure who effected lives thru his work mentality and performance. I personally was not a fan but my ego is so great I mistakenly never elevated Kobe to my Mount Rushmore …no athlete gets there for me unless they contribute to society ALI, JIM BROWN, LEBRON JAMES etc … I never viewed Kobe in that light until his death, when I could feel and see his impact on our lives and society. The loss beyond horrific he lost his baby. But man, to inspire people by your example … in reflection, I cried as a Black man, as a father, as a broken-down has-been athlete. I realize I witnessed Black excellence … true greatness and a life well lived. Respect and love to that man and condolences to his people.” – Nick Atkins L.A., CA

“I can only speak of him in basketball terms. A very tenacious and dynamic on the court. Will go down as one of the greats to ever do it.” – Patrick Corprew, Portsmouth, VA

“Kobe was the only person who really believed in his heart that he was better than Jordan. Whether he was or wasn’t doesn’t matter. Others said it but they knew deep inside it wasn’t true. He truly believed it and he was not going to stop until he proved he was the best.”

“Traiter that couldn’t be trusted …” Rauq Den L.A., CA

“Kobe is the result of superior talent meets hard work. Not regular hard work but skin blistering hard work. He was not happy with his rookie year, so he got in the lab and matured into the Black Mamba – deadly. He was great because he took what God gave him and made it great. He is a life lesson and blueprint for excellence.” Derrick K. Jones, Chicago, ILL

“To stop NBA games, for players to emotionally walk off the court, shows the type of impact player he was. What kind of person has the world talking about their death and sharing great memories about his life? Great man.” – Alan Huff, L.A., CA

“Hard worker! Kobe took his talent seriously and he stayed focused on what was important to him, which was family first and then basketball. He found his balance.” Karen Pikes, L.A., CA

“I wasn’t a fan until recently. I admired his love for his family and his dedication to his daughters. Not just Gianna but all of them had a special bond with their dad.” – Nicole M. Moore, Bronx, NY

“Kobe was very hardworking and reminded me of Jordan’s work ethic on the court. He earned each point, save, rebound, block, assist, etc. He is missed.” Elizabeth Davis, Downey, CA

“Kobe was ‘family.’ He spent 6-8 months a year for 20 years in my living room, exhibiting hard work, dedication, and excellence. He was a true inspiration to my boys. It takes a village. Thank you Kobe ‘Bean’ Bryant!” – Eric McGuffie, Atlanta, GA via L.A., CA

“A man who capitalized on every ounce of his God-given ability; sweat and bled for 20 years. Retired without owing the game a dang thing and then took it to another level in business and the arts. His family is financially set for generations to come. Job well done Mr. Kobe Bean Bryant! You and Gigi enjoy your Heavenly mansion, hater free!”- Michaell Rich, L.A., CA

“I don’t have many heroes younger than I am but Kobe Bryant was one of them! That tells you all you need to know about the man. Just a terrible loss to Los Angeles and the world. Kobe was a global icon.” – L.C. Echols, L.A, CA

“Death is unavoidable; we all know that. Losing an idol is painful, but as a father, my hurt is amplified because his daughter was lost as well. I can only imagine how Kobe may have felt knowing that he was unable to protect his child.” Carlton Cousar, Inglewood, CA

“I grew up mesmerized by MJ. So, I was a Laker hater but a huge NBA fan. So when the word was getting around about a kid who was the next MJ … I was like – nah! But I can’t lie on the court he was undeniably great and he kept getting better. I really like Kobe’s last two years in the NBA because he started to open up. He was sharing wisdom, letting us into his world a little bit. The mystique about his process was coming to light. I begin to see how my favorite player (LeBron) looked at him like a big brother.” – Raynell Jamal, Pomona, CA

“This is a tough one. As sad as it is to see him go, even at age 41, he had a full life. World traveler, sports icon, international celebrity, etc. I’m sure he would’ve traded that all in, including his life, if he could’ve saved his daughter’s life. It has been very apparent that he was very much invested in his children’s lives, especially Gianna’s. He literally grew up in front of us over the past 20+ years and his growth was tremendous. From the selfish “all eyes on me,” afro-sporting Kobe to the mellow, barely catch him at a Lakers game, daddy duty, bald headed and bearded, wise man Kobe. The only thing that remotely came close to this devastation was the Magic Johnson HIV announcement. Kobe’s daughter was ready to carry on the mantle of as the next great Bryant basketball player. UConn was already looking at her. What a horrible way for anyone to die. SMH. Condolences to the Bryant family.” – Ronnie Montgomery, Carson, CA