In the wake of his untimely and unfortunate passing, tributes for Kobe Bryant poured from all corners of the world, and not just from fellow athletes. The legendary basketball player left quite an impact – from his NBA career stats, redefining what it means to be a pro athlete, to establishing the almost-ritualistic proclamation of his name right before you make that bin shot.
One of the more poignant testaments to his legacy, however, comes from photographer Walter Iooss Jr., who put together a gallery of his 24 favourite photos featuring No. 24 in a 2015 Players’ Tribune article. Naturally, the entire piece now hits new levels of sentimentality, emotion, and gravitas given the events.
“We first met in Orlando in 1995. He was a rookie and I was shooting for Upper Deck trading cards. I had him on a trampoline. This is something I used a few times with him — he was the best I’ve ever seen on a trampoline. We have worked together many times throughout his career. Kobe Bryant is an interesting, intelligent, driven, world-class basketball player.”
Check out the complete gallery below.
RELATED: The Story Of When Kobe Bryant Honoured A Bet With The ‘Entourage’ Cast.
Images by Walter Iooss Jr.
