For The Love Of The Game

By: Justin Black

It's Friday, January 31st, 2020 and once again 1111 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA will play host to a spectacle that only its walls could hold. Tonight the Los Angelos Lakers will tip-off at 10:30 pm eastern time vs. the Portland Trailblazers. In a game that will surely go down in history as one of the most notable events in NBA history.

At moments it will be quiet enough to hear a pin drop, mourning the loss of its most native son Kobe Bryant. Then roars will ring out in celebration of life, dedication, comradery, and respect for the legacy of not only a basketball player but a man, a father, and an idol.

God has a funny way of bringing things together and the most faithful must still believe this is true. With the world spiraling out of control. This raw emotion, love, and compassion is what we all need.

The "Mamba Mentality" simply means one thing, do whatever the hell you need to do to succeed.

The stars will align courtside to give hope to the dreamers, dry the eyes of the mourning and lift the spirits of the weak. As we grow we must appreciate those who have succeeded far beyond expectations. But then again we need to realize that the real test is defying your own odds.

Be great!

Without the need to hear it from anyone but yourself.

Be loyal!

To the things, you love and care for and most importantly in the words of the late great Nipsey Hussle know that "the marathon continues."

But rest assure Kobe would want this to be the greatest game ever played. Tenacious defense, team-work, effort, energy, swag, and a whole lot of buckets!

Love you Bean, Mamba, Kobe, #8 #24