“Stubbornly Unafraid to Fail.” Bullseye.

When he retired, I said “damn I’m gonna miss this guy” but now I’m really gonna miss this guy.

I was really enjoying sage Mamba. His character arc and personal development were amazing, and he was really hitting his stride as a mentor for the next generation. He’ll be missed

Phil Jackson says it best, Kobe was the “chosen” one .

Probably the best and most truthful tribute I’ve heard yet. Some of these guys giving tributes and crying, were tearing his name off the scoring records only 18hrs before they got the news. I’ve had beef with the media over this for the past few days, so I just want to thank you for maintaining your integrity

Kobe didn’t play basketball, he did art

This is the only post-Kobe video that I’ve watched that didn’t remind me he was gone. Instead it told me of just how incredible he is, and that his legacy will forever live.

I appreciate that this tribute doesn't make it seem like you've always loved him and suggested that he was perfect or the GOAT as some are now doing. Kobe was very hated during his career and I was witness to that. I think it's really disingenuous for people to go back and act like they always loved him just because he's now gone. Great vidm

Kobe wasn’t the most efficient player ever for the basketball purist like Micheal or LeBron but as fan of basketball THANK YOU Kobe for being the MOST EXCITING PLAYER EVER bar none ..my man Kobe just had the balls to try shots no other player would his in game dunks are just completely insane not to mention his circus shots and crossovers it was just something pure about it that I will always miss

just when i thought i was done crying ... great tribute :)

I loved the honestly and nuance of this. As a diehard Kobe fan, I loved the fact that you touched on everything, were unbiased, and rightfully encapsulated his career and life. Much respect to you

He is so much more than basketball. The philosophy he stands for makes him the greatest competitor in the history of the sport.

J. Kyle Mann is the man. A national treasure. Protect him at all costs.

Kobe was different I don't think anyone could just pull off what he did at such a young age and what more amazing is the stuff he did after He did not stagnate and he did not quit when it mattered most

Kobe Bryant is almost a figment of our imagination that's how special he was. Humanity was robbed of a one of a kind human, whether past troubles loomed over him or not, all humans make mistakes, and he truly righted his. You can tell how much impact someone had on the world when people never forget them, never fail to mention them in conversations, and remain in each other's thoughts timelessly. I truly hope one day I can see Kobe and thank him, the world, especially the basketball world will never be the same. His advocacy for the WNBA goes unnoticed, RIP MAMBA. #2#24

In Kobe’s second year he wasn’t asking MJ to pass him the torch he was actually asking mj for tips in that clip

Confidence comes through preparation. He’s so confident because he worked so hard and was so prepared

Kobe wan Kenobi, the Jedi of the NBA Star Wars.

This is an amazingly true and faithful portrait of an undeniable force of nature.

Kobe inspired a whole generation and forever will be a legend, may he rest in peace.

I was waiting for this. The angle was perfect. Kobe had the audacity to live life to the fullest and that turned him into more than just a man. It turned him into a way of life. Mamba mentality become so much more. Thank you for this video.

Kobe represented LA nationally and we got to share our love for him internationally when he got to represent the US internationally.. He showed the world how hard work and dediction to his craft led to his success. His work ethic resonated so much within the Los Angeles community because you can only survive in Los Angeles through hard work.. The nation has this mindset that Los Angeles is the city of stars and that it is easy work to live here.. But because of our great weather and expensive living costs there are no days off. The city that never sleeps has snow days where the city is shut down due to inclement weather.. But LA never sleeps.. We work our asses off to pay our high ass taxes and to live in this expensive ass city, and Kobe personified that through his actions..

The answer to your sign off of, “let me know if you agree,” is a resounding, “yes I do.” Great video sir.

i dunno how many times I've watched this over and over at this point

The first time I really experienced Kobe- basketball was always on in my house even though I never really paid attention until I was 7 or 8 maybe-I was at my aunt’s house, watching the 2000 WCF with my older brother, and got to catch the lob among other moments. With all the amazing players out there, the one with the Afro wearing number 8 was always who stuck out to me. At that moment, even though I didn’t know it, I was watching my favorite player. I never really considered myself a Lakers fan- although looking back, that’s exactly what I am, just never really felt the same connection with them without Kobe-but he always, ALWAYS made me pay attention no matter who was on the court at the time. As great as LeBron is and as incredible the stuff he does on the court is, it never captivated me in the same way as watching Kobe bending the game to his will at any and every turn did. I totally got why people thought he was arrogant as I got older even though I disagreed because I could see what it really was-Kobe ALWAYS believed in himself because he ALWAYS would put in the work. That’s the thing that’s always going to separate Kobe from the others to me. LeBron might be a better all around player. Jordan might have a better legacy. But not one player in my mind made the absolute MOST out of their gifts like Kobe would. That’s what made him special on the court and why he was my hero growing up-he was one of the first to show me that if you want something, no matter what you May think, you can TAKE it, but you have to WANT it. It won’t be handed to you by any means. I’m sure he’s not letting the angels outwork him either.

Every time I think the tears stop, Kobe reels me right back in, but I guess that’s just the effect Kobe has always had.

The most beautiful and faithful tribute to Kobe I've seen till now.

Summed up even touching briefly on the negative with a touch of class. Kobe was simply Kobe. One of the greatest NBA players ever. And hands down the hardest working player with the toughest mentality ever.

You know, I've watched dozens of retrospectives on Kobe's life and career. The final line of this video is what means the most to me, and it's the one sentiment that I hope we all never forget about who Kobe really was: He always had the nerve. It's important to realize that the best way any of us can really honor who Kobe was is to do the same. Step up, be bold.. even if there's no guarantee everything will spin your way. He really did always have the nerve; and I'm really going to miss him too. Rest in peace, Mamba, and know that your legacy will live on through us all.

I miss Kobe.

Its been a year since he passed and I’m still emotional about it.

The nuance in this piece is flawless. Kids born in the 80s knew it wasn't always sunshine and roses with Kobe. Plenty of us hated him (especially if you were a huge MJ fan). Kobe seemed like an imposter, derivative. But year after year he just got better and better and even the staunchest of deniers were eventually bent to agree with what Kobe had been saying all along. You didn't have to be a fan of his to be a fan of his work. It was only because of his greatness that he had some many haters (as far as on the court activities go). We all KNEW he was phenomenal and we HATED it. I can only say that as a kid who grew up in the 90's, I'm glad Kobe got the torch from Michael. And I'm forever grateful that once he took that flame from MJ, he lit the game on fire and illuminated the future of NBA basketball eternally. Thanks Kobe. -The Kid Who Hated You

This was so beautifully put together. What a great take on Kobe's legacy.

Short and Sweet. I'm not even a big Kobe fan but know his greatness could not be ignored. This was beautifully done man.

Kobe literally spoke his success into existence, combined with intense hard work and focus...Sounds like a great man to me 🤷🏻‍♀️

Just came to say this is probably the realest tribute i've heard. You can tell this guy didn't like Kobe the player but definitely fucking respected Kobe; the man and what he did in the NBA. Cheers to you sir.

I cant even make it through this. Just wanna cry. Not ready to see him yet

The thing I really admired about Kobe was that he never backed down from a challenge. He always took the last shot, even when he knew he might miss.

I cried again, for the 3436549458349084 time. This was a great tribute. Thank you.

This was easily, the best tribute video for the G.O.A.T. KOBE💪🏿

Soon as I heard about Kobe’s accident I remember tell my girlfriend “I hope his daughters weren’t on there with him.” Such a tragic story. The things Kobe had his eyes on were probably so great. Wish I would’ve seen what he did with those kids.

The world is finally seeing how incredible this guy was. RIP Mamba!!

Also a kid from the bluegrass, Kobe is my all time favorite and I caught a lot slack for it from friends in the tough years. Kobe was basketball since I could remember starting watching basketball, Kobe was a staple for 20 years. Grade school, high school, college, and post school Kobe was there. He will be missed.

I have to agree with your ideas.. I didn't like him when he was younger either.. much more respect as he aged.

Not almost, but Kobe did have a Kanye level way of speaking on himself. My boy just had different accolades 💯🙌🏾 Shoutout the goat mann.

At the end of the video, when you start talking about your thoughts of the end of Kobe’s career and his life, even though there wasn’t anything inherently emotional, even though you included some of your slight criticisms, and even though you voice didn’t change to encapsulate a more emotional mood; that final monologue in this video struck my heart and hit on the nose why his passing hurt the world so much.

This... Was... Beautiful... 😭😭😭

Kobe - the MOST determined, brilliant, enjoyable, artistic, stylish, graceful, cunning, naughty, dynamic, energetic, cool, jolly, dramatic, adorably playful basketball player I've ever seen. Whenever he plays bball, playing becomes an art, not just a game.

Please understand how good this is. One of the best videos I’ve ever seen on KZfaq.

wouldn't really say he's cocky. the guy put in the work to be great, therefore he had THAT much more confidence in his abilities.

Man, this video gave me a massive lump in my throat. In many ways, since his passing. I've become massively inspired by Kobe.

Love you Kobe. Everytime I went to a Lakers game, it was tradition that I made sure I lost my voice. So many great memories growing up watching you. RIP KO8E

The last 3 minutes of this video hit it so incredibly spot on that I'm speechless man... Great video, great writing, great delivery, incredible tribute. RIP Mamba

The ending had me tearing up man, thanks for this, a great video and even better tribute

This is definitely the best take on Kobe's Legacy that I've seen. Thank you for this.

First time watching this due to me not wanting to see any Kobe vids since he passed. His legacy may live forever in our lives. Love ya Bean

It’s just not fair that he’s not around anymore

This was amazing. It encapsulates how I feel about Kobe.

As someone growing up in the LA area, Kobe was the hometown legend so to hear people saying that they hated watching him play is surprising but refreshing

Damn you got all this spot on. I remember everyone hating on Kobe for being so "selfish". I always use to to tell the haters he's selfish cause he can do it all and better than anyone and he knew it.

Honestly one of the best videos I have seen yet that the scrubs the real curse that was the success & GREATNESS of Kobe

People need to understand this: Someone like Kobe or Kanye has only reached their level of greatness by going all in and having an extreme level of self confidence and belief. I am tired of the fact that everytime someone is really good at their craft and they stick their head out of the field to talk about it, they get called arrogant, narcistic etc. These guys operate on a whole another level and they know it. We should admire and appreciate them and learn as much as we can from them before they are gone.

I mean there’s no one who wouldn’t be cocky when your name becomes a verb for brazenly trying insane things hoping they work. Rip to a legend. Sage Kobe was greater than what mike has yet to become.

I remember the feeling of not accepting loss. And trying and failing, again and again. And eventual success. We can all learn from this man, and teach, as he would. Kobe

Fantastic video essay. Your take is perceptive, articulate, and even-keeled. Damn I'm gonna miss Kobe. Was utterly looking forward to him as an elder statesman around the game, and to see his wonderful, talented daughter light up the WNBA as a future star.

Kobe carried such a heavy burden at a young age, yet exceeded everyone's expectations. Rip bean and gigi

This is a very great breakdown of Kobe. People who say they miss Kobe, might have said they hated Kobe when he was playing and winning. That is fair. I think the people that hated him, knew of the greatness that we saw in him and the will to succeed. No matter, he was a great player, even if people say that they hated him. You can hate the player, but you can't hate on his achievements and his success.

Kobe was a Kid coming into the league, just 17! He had to grow into a man right before our very eyes and he WORKED HARD at being great. We could all learn from Kobe. He was the best.

Fantastic. I think we've all watched a lot of Kobe tribute videos these past weeks, but this one is probably the best one.

Kobe Bryant relates to the two leads in Whiplash. There is more meaning in this statement than many probably thought.

Not sure how this could have been more well said. Simply poetic justice, good sir.

I got into basketball after his passing. I kick myself everyday for losing the opportunity to watch and learn sooner and see his growth in real time.

Best Kobe tribute I've seen. Beautifully put. Just perfect. I literally got goosebumps and found myself saluting Kobe unconsciously. Beautiful.

This was so damn good. Thank you for putting it together.

Kobe is the most inspiring NBA player I've ever seen. Mamba mentality is something we all should carry in whatever endeavorer we pursue.

2008 It's early in the AM. I wake up before school to watch olympic basketball and witnessed greatness.

Damn that got me right in the feels 😓😭

This is so well written. Kudos!

Damn. Your last paragraph where you talk about how cynical you were about him and his persona, yet you still couldn’t look away from it all perfectly describes how I felt about Kobe. This was beautiful, man.

Kobe bring my memories of 06-09. Back when I saw Lakers everywhere. On tv too. I miss those days

This was delightful and exquisite man. thanks for taking the time

Amazing video once again. You paid tribute to one of the greatest, without forgetting who he was along the way. We all loved and hated Kobe at some point, but he was overall great for the game. I think his game against Spain is his most underrated moment, so I was really happy to see you highlight it in your video. Keep up the good work and thanks for the videos!

I cried when he died. Me and my cousin always loved watching KB. We always tried to copy his moves. Did everything we could to get 2K11 and I have his purple #8 Jersey. It don’t fit anymore but I’m not giving it away. I wish we had the money to see him live all we had was the TV and our dreams that maybe ONE day we’d meet him and let him know our love for him. But sadly that won’t happen. But at least he left us all his heart on the floor and his mind in the game. Thank you Kobe, you was my childhood hero and as an adult your my idol. Rest in power big bro.

This take resonates with me. I grew up a Sonics fan and a Laker Hater. Kobe was so cocky and DOMINANT, I couldn't take it. In 2008 I moved to LA and the Sonics left for OKC. I had no choice but to adopt the Lakers as my new team...and I finally learned why KOBE is the king of LA.

Thats the best Kobe Tribute Video i've seen until now,💯 pays the Man his respect as an Icon and Symbol, without forgetting to illuminate his human side aswell. Good Job 💪🏽

My sentiments exactly, brother. 💜💛

Man the olympics is when I started rooting for Kobe! I was a Sheed fan

Kobe Bryant was the player who made me come back to being a Lakers fan. As a kid, I grew up in the Celtics Vs Lakers battles, and I chose Los Angeles. When the team was starting to get passed by the Bulls, the appeal of Jordan swayed me away. I still "liked" the Lakers but they had moved down to like my 3rd favorite team, maybe even 4th for a short time. But then I met MJ, and eventually met Kobe, and this kid did everything he could to make people like him. Unlike others, MJ included. I had the pleasure of meeting him about 10-12 times, and not once was did he leave people disappointed. He knew he was a big deal, and accepted it. He singlehandedly brought me back to being a Lakers fan first. Even after I mostly stopped watching basketball when our team was stolen from us, I still checked in from time to time on him & the Lakers. Thank you for a well done break down of the amazing greatness this man gave the world.

Brought tears to my eyes. Great honest video man. Rip Kobe

Great job J. Kyle Mann. Very thoughtful. Excited that I'll be able to watch this tribute in the years to come.

Thank you so much for making this.

Man, I've really become a fan of your content. Keep it up. Rest in peace, Kobe. One of the most complexly impactful people in my lifetime.

You put all my emotions into the words that made so much sense about Kobe. Thank you! RIP MAMBA RIP GIGI

Best video about Kobe I’ve watched lately. The Dime Drop is definitely my favorite basketball anything these days

The best I have seen on Kobe!

This is a great video. Im slick crying again

This was beautiful. Dime Drop being picked up by the Ringer is, and will always be, the best move that company has/will ever make (And this is my favorite media outlet). You sir just made me cry with this video. Real, authentic, and true. What journalism is supposed to be. What Kobe wanted his life to be. Thank you.

This was beautifully done. Perfect video piece and essay in tribute to a tragic loss to the world.

one of the best, and most honest tributes i’ve seen 💯

I always watch this video when i feel down , never gets old