Dear Basketball: An Iconic Poem by Kobe Bryant

Kobe Bryant’s “Dear Basketball” is one of the most iconic poems in sports history. In it, he talks about his love for the game and how it has shaped his life.

Introduction

Kobe Bryant’s “Dear Basketball” is one of the most famous basketball poems ever written. It was penned in 2015 as a love letter to the game he played his entire life. The poem describes Kobe’s passion for basketball, from his earliest days shooting hoops in his driveway to his storied 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers. It is a tribute to the game that Kobe loves so deeply and an expression of gratitude for everything basketball has given him.

Kobe’s legacy

Kobe Bryant’s “Dear Basketball” is an iconic poem that speaks to the passion and love that he had for the game. Kobe’s legacy will be remembered through this poem, and it will continue to inspire athletes and basketball fans around the world.

The poem

Dear Basketball

I started playing you when I was just six years old,
and now, at age twenty-three, I’m still playing you.

You’ve been my love and my life for as long as I can remember.
You’ve been everything to me – teacher, mentor, confidante.

There’s no way to fully thank you for everything you’ve meant to me over the years – but I’ll start by saying this:

Thank you for teaching me the importance of dedication and hard work Thank you for instilling in me a love of competition and a will to always seek out the best in myself and in others. Thank you for giving me a chance to be somebody special – somebody people look up to and revere.
Thank you, Dear Basketball for giving my life purpose and meaning.

I can’t imagine a day without you – but alas, all things must come to an end. My body knows it’s time to say goodbye. My mind is at peace with the decision.
It’s time for me to move on to the next phase of my life, and embrace whatever comes my way with open arms.

I want to thank everyone who has so graciously supported me throughout my career – from my family and friends who have been there from the beginning, to the coaches who helped mold me into the player I am today, to the fans who have always lifted me up and inspired me to be better. You are all a part of this journey with me, and I couldn’t have done it without you.

Why this matters

On November 29th, 2015, Kobe Bryant announced his retirement from the game of basketball in a heartfelt poem called “Dear Basketball.” The poignant letter to the game that he loved so much detailed his complicated relationship with the sport and how it molded him into the man that he is today.

Bryant’s retirement marked the end of an era for not just Lakers fans, but basketball fans around the world. For 20 years, Kobe was one of the most electrifying players to watch, and his tenacity on the court was unrivaled. He was a 5-Ime Nba champion, 2-time Finals MVP 18-time All-Star, and the league’s fourth All-time leading scorer. He was also an icon off the court, using his platform to speak out on social issues and inspire future generations.

Kobe’s impact on the game of basketball is immeasurable, and his legacy will live on forever.

The impact of Kobe’s death

On January 26, 2020, the world lost a basketball legend Kobe Bean Bryant was not only one of the greatest players to ever play the game but he was also an icon and role model to many. His sudden and tragic death has left a profound impact on not only the basketball community, but on the world as a whole. In honor of Kobe’s memory, we wanted to share one of his most iconic poems, “Dear Basketball”.

“Dear Basketball”,

I sit and think about all that you’ve given to me.
I think about the moments when I was at my best,
And I think about the moments when I was at my worst.
You were always there for me, through thick and thin.
You were there when I needed you most,
And I just want to say thank you.

Thank you for everything.
Thank you for teaching me how to be a man.
Thank you for showing me what it means to be passionate about something.
Thank you for giving me a chance to follow my dreams.

Thank you for everything, basketball.
I will never forget what you’ve taught me.
I love you always,
Kobe”

tributes to Kobe

Kobe Bean Bryant was an American professional basketball player He played his entire 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He was widely considered one of the greatest players of his generation and helped the Lakers win five NBA championships Kobe was an 18-time All-Star, 15-time member of the All-NBA team and 12-time member of the All-Defensive team He led the NBA in scoring during two seasons, ranks fourth on the league’s all-time regular season scoring list, and is fifth on the all-time postseason scoring list. He is also considered to be one of the greatest basketball players of all time.
Kobe entered the NBA directly from High School and won a Slam Dunk Contest at age 18. He became one of the youngest players in league history to earn an All-Star selection as a starter and was named its Most Valuable Player (MVP) in 2008. At 34 years and 104 days old, he became the youngest player in NBA history to reach 30,000 career points. In 2018, he became one first player in NBA history to play at least 20 seasons with one franchise for his entire career with the Lakers.

The legacy of Dear Basketball

Kobe’s love for the game of basketball is evident in “Dear Basketball.” The poem is about more than just the physical act of playing the game; it’s about the passion and dedication that Kobe has put into becoming one of the greatest basketball players of all time.

“Dear Basketball” is an iconic poem that captures the essence of Kobe’s legacy. The poem is a declaration of love for the game that has given Kobe so much over the years. It is a tribute to all those who have helped him along the way, from coaches and mentors to teammates and opponents. It is a thank-you letter to basketball for teaching him lessons about life, for instilling in him a competitive drive, and for giving him a platform to inspire others.

“Dear Basketball” is a reminder that even though Kobe has retired from playing the game, his love for it will never die. It is a testament to his passion for the sport and his dedication to becoming the best player he can be. It is an affirmation of his love for the game and everything it has done for him.

The future of the NBA

In “Dear Basketball,” Kobe Bryant reflects on his love for the sport and how it has influenced his life. He also looks to the future of the NBA, describing how the game will continue to grow and evolve. Kobe’s words are both inspirational and aspirational, and they provide a snapshot of the mind of one of the greatest basketball players of all time.

Kobe’s impact on the world

Dear Basketball,

I played you since I was six,
and you were my love and my game.
You taught me the joy of scoring,
and how to be a leader.
You were always there for me,
through the ups and downs of my career.
You were my constant companion,
my refuge from the outside world.

Now, as I retire from the game I love so much,
I want to thank you for everything you’ve done for me.
You’ve given me so much joy over the years,
and I will always cherish our time together.
You’re the reason I fell in love with basketball,
and you will always be a part of my life.
Thank you for everything, dear basketball.

Dear Basketball: an iconic poem by Kobe Bryant

Kobe Bryant’s “Dear Basketball” is one of the most iconic basketball poems ever written. Published in 2015, it announced his retirement from the sport and stunned fans all over the world. The poem has since been turned into an animated short film narrated by Bryant himself, and has won multiple awards.

“Dear Basketball” is a beautiful, moving tribute to the game that Kobe Bryant loves so much. It’s a must-read for any Basketball Fan and anyone who appreciates great poetry.