NFL
By: Mark T. Wilson
With the 2028 Olympics being held in Los Angeles, it’s only right that the family of Kobe Bryant should light the Olympic Cauldron. Vanessa, Natalia, Bianka, and Capri are the only choices to carry out this honor. The Olympics is more than a sporting event. It’s a place where countries come together, hugs are shared, smiles are shown, and bonds are made. This was Kobe in a nutshell; and then to have it come to a place he called home, well, this is the perfect place to remember him.
If Kobe were still alive, he would undoubtedly be a major part of this Olympic process. However, a way to honor him not only as a pillar of the Los Angeles community but also as a former Olympian is to have that legacy passed on to his family. Can we honestly name another athlete with stronger ties to Los Angeles more deserving than Kobe Bryant?
For 20 years, he donned the iconic Purple and Gold of the Los Angeles Lakers. He claimed his spot as the face of the NBA where he won 5 Championships plus 2 Gold Medals as a member of the 2008 and 2012 USA Olympic Teams. His play with the Redeem Team is the stuff of legends. Let’s give him his due.
Snoop Dogg helped in Paris for the 2024 Olympics and while it would have made a bit of sense for him to do that in his hometown of Los Angeles, the Bryant family is a close second. After retiring, Kobe was viewed as an ambassador for the NBA and the WNBA. Los Angeles was his home. He championed for the Olympics to come and he got his wish.
If we can have Tom Cruise doing stunts to close the games and Snoop providing commentary at other events, then having Vanessa and her daughters represent a husband, a father, an icon, and a legend is the perfect way to open the Los Angeles Games. As some will put it, Kobe Bryant was just a basketball player. No, he was more than that. He was a pillar of hope for many who still get teary-eyed at the mention of his name or watching highlights of his incredible career. When you think of Los Angeles, you think of Kobe Bryant.
We designed this emblem in his honor. We hope this inspires the Mamba mentality in every aspiring Olympian and Paralympian. We’re so proud to see this emblem represent the Los Angeles games. I know Kobe would be so proud to host the games in this great city,” said Vanessa Bryant.
While Los Angeles is filled with many stars and important figures, name one who stands before Kobe. The Olympics are about perseverance and striving to be the best in your field. Kobe was all of that and more. We mourn the loss of loved ones daily but the entire world mourned the loss of Kobe Bryant. This was his city, and the Olympics in LA was his dream. Since he’s not here to appreciate it, let his family soak that honor in for him.
This has to be done for the 2028 Los Angeles Games. Kobe Bryant is gone but he will never be forgotten.
