8 things I'll miss about Kobe Bryant
Truly timelessAs Lakers fans trickled into Staples Center with the Lakers ready to face off against the Pacers, they were handed a glossy paper in a sealed black envelope. It was from Kobe, and it ended with "Thank you for this incredible journey."The question had been on everyone's mind, and this letter laid it to rest. I accept that it's his time, but the "Thank you"? No. Kobe doesn't get that last word. This is the last shot, with time running out, few games left on his clock, and he has the last word: thank you. Thanks, but no thanks Kobe. Let us thank you instead.Let the millions playing pickup ball adorning #8 or #24 thank you for sharing your fire with us. A candle burns and shares its light, but burn it does. And burn Kobe did. He burned the candle at both ends, cut it in 8 pieces and burnt it at all 16 ends, collected the wax and blew it into shape again to burn it into melted, molten wax again.And with scalding hands reshaped it, making it just a bit stronger, just a little tougher each time. From a lanky teen to the Colossus of the Los Angles Lakers, from 0 to 32,683 points as of today. He symbolized iron will and unshakable determination, while blazing his way in a near unanimous position as among the top ten players to ever play the game, perhaps top five depending on whom you ask. After 20 seasons though, even legends must cross over from land to lore. Here are 8 things I'll miss the most about the legend who adorned #8
#8 The love
