SANTA MONICA, Calif. — If you go to your nearest street ball court, you won’t find banners or trophies, or even that much talent.

But those out there on the blacktop pounding the basketball, they do share one common trait with the late Kobe Bryant; a pure love for the game

A love that Artis McKinley has taken to heart.

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“It’s inspirational it’s something that hadn’t really hit our generation like that until he came. He was such an icon, such an idol, someone I could look up to,” said McKinley. 

While it wasn't quite tearing an Achilles and walking out to make two free throws, McKinley rolled an ankle while playing pick up. And much like his idol, he refused to bow out of the competition.

A full embodiment of the 'Mamba mentality.' 

“That Mamba mentality is instilled in every aspect of me. Everything that I do when it comes to me and my friends on the court playing, I want us to succeed,” said McKinley. 

After the game, he moved on to his other passion, entertaining the court with his creative gifts.

Starting with a personal message. 

“Shoutout to Kobe Bryant. We’re never going to forget the life that he lived and that’s what’s important, it’s about the life. The legacy that he was able to leave behind to inspire the masses,” McKinley said. 

The Venice based rapper, that also goes by 'Tru Artist', says he couldn’t believe what happened to his favorite player.

“I was like looking immediately online to debunk what information I had just received,” said McKinley. 

So he immediately went into the booth to pay tribute. 

He says he’s very grateful for every lesson that he learned from watching Kobe through the years. 

“Thank him for being who he was, allowing the world to be him, perceive him as the Mamba, the Black Mamba, Kobe Bryant, the leader, the father, the light, Kobe Bryant. I want to say thank you,” said McKinley. 

The Mamba may be out, but a piece of him lives on in us, through us, through our love of the game.