Dallas Mavericks’ Ivy ‘DJ Poizon Ivy’ Awino Reflects On Lakers Legend Kobe Bryant’s Legacy
August 24th is Kobe Bryant day, declared by Los Angeles City Council resolution in perpetuity, at the date of the jersey numbers he wore with the Los Angeles Lakers. Bryant carried No. 8 his first ten seasons and 24 for the final ten. It is also known as the day after his birthday.
City Councilman Jose Huizar, who introduced the resolution, said Bryant should be admired not just because he is “unbelievably talented,” but because he “has taught all of us in Los Angeles that this city has a fighting spirit.”
“It doesn’t matter how down you are,” Huizar said. “It doesn’t matter what hardships you face. You keep showing up, you keeping practicing, you keep going and yes you keep winning and here in LA.”
Almost four years later, Bryant would pass away in a horrible helicopter accident en route to his Mamba Academy. Bryant, his daughter Gigi and seven others, including the pilot, did not survive.
With today being Kobe Day, Dallas Mavericks’ DJ Poizon Ivy shared her thoughts on Bryant’s legacy.
“You can’t look around without seeing Kobe’s influence, whether it’s the purple and gold, 24 from the number eight, or the Mamba Mentality. I mean, the impact is hard to describe because I don’t even think we fully understood the facet of who he was, and we will see many different things in this documentary as well,” said Ivy.
“I’m still sensitive about that topic because I am a mother, and I can’t imagine. So, I’m sending my love to the Bryant family, but we can all continue to live that legacy and honor him in everything that we do and honor him through basketball. I think that it is inevitable that it will always happened. So, I’m looking forward to learning more, but all reminiscing on a lost that can never ever, ever, ever be replaced.”
Rest In Peace, Mamba, Gigi, and all the helicopter accident victims on January 20th, 2020.
Landon Buford is an accomplished sports and entertainment journalist based in Richardson, Texas, with over a decade of experience covering the NBA, WNBA, NFL, WWE, MLB, and the entertainment industry. Known for delivering high-impact stories and headline-making interviews, Buford has earned a global audience through content that blends insider access with compelling storytelling.
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