Remembering 7 Years Ago When Kobe Bryant Tore His Achilles and Drilled His Free Throws Anyway

2020 been a complete trainwreck of a year, and in many ways, it all began with Lakers legend Kobe Bryant's tragic passing. It somehow feels like ages ago now, but think back to how the sports world reacted to the news of Kobe's death in January. It was surreal, and still is in many ways.

Bryant was the epitome of a basketball phenom turned God. He's a modern pioneer of the game, and that's evident in how many young players model their shot and playing style after his. Kobe is one of the NBA's purest scorers in league history, but his mental strength and will are what set him apart from other greats. Bryant's ultimate display of his famed Mamba Mentality happened seven years ago on this day, when he summoned all his strength to nail a pair of free throws.

After tying the game at 107-107 on a contested 3-pointer at the top of the key, Bryant tried to drive on Harrison Barnes to even it up again when he fell crashing to the floor. It turned out that Kobe had torn his Achilles -- but in the intermin period after getting checked out by the medical team and learning that information, he limped back onto the floor to shoot his two free throws before subbing out of the game.

Bryant looked weaker than ever, yet also clearly determined. He sunk both free throws and the Lakers fouled on the ensuing inbound so Kobe could catch a sub. This man couldn't run if he wanted to, but still had the strength and courage to make it to the line to do what he does best.

The ironic part about this moment and that injury is that it all likely happened because Kobe was averaging 38.6 minutes per game that season, carrying an underperforming Laker team on the meat of his back. It took a torn Achilles to actually force him off the court, and even then, he still wanted to make those free throws.