Kobe Bryant death anniversary: Lakers, WNBA, sports world remember NBA icon five years after his tragic passing

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A mural of Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna was painted in Los Angeles soon after the deadly helicopter crash in 2020. (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

Five years ago on Sunday, the basketball world lost a giant. On Jan. 26, 2020, Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna died in a tragic helicopter crash outside of Los Angeles.

Kobe Bryant, who spent his entire career with the Los Angeles Lakers, made an indelible impact on both his team and the area throughout his life. Kobe Bryant, an 18-time All-Star, led the team to five NBA championships in a 10-year span, earning NBA MVP in 2008. His “Mamba mentality” is referenced by male and female basketball players at all levels, who strive to achieve the driven mindset of the late guard.

On Sunday, the Lakers paid tribute to Kobe and Gianna Bryant, five years later.

Kobe Bryant’s impact was not only felt by the Lakers — it reverberated throughout the NBA. The Golden State Warriors has their own tribute to the Lakers great on Sunday.

NBA commissioner Adam Silver spoke more about Kobe Bryant’s widespread impact in a statement on Sunday.

“Kobe Bryant continues to serve as an inspiration to aspiring and current NBA and WNBA players, young athletes playing at all levels and those who are motivated solely by his relentless pursuit of excellence,” Silver said. “Out thoughts today are with Vanessa and the Bryant family as we remember Kobe and his daughter, Gianna, with whom he shared a special bond around a profound love of the game of basketball.”

Kobe and Gianna Bryant were not the only victims of the crash. The Players’ Tribune made an effort to honor all nine victims: Kobe Bryant, Gianna Bryant, John Altobelli, Keri Altobelli, Alyssa Altobelli, Christina Mauser, Sarah Chester, Payton Chester and Ara Zobayan.

Among many things, Kobe Bryant is remembered as a champion of women’s basketball. He was known for attending women’s basketball games, both college and WNBA, with his daughter Gianna. Kobe was involved in Gianna’s basketball career and coached her youth team; Gianna planned to play for the UConn Huskies when she reached college, with the WNBA…

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/kobe-bryant-death-anniversary-lakers-wnba-sports-world-remember-nba-icon-five-years-after-his-tragic-passing-202619662.html

Author : Yahoo Sports

Publish date : 2025-01-26 20:26:00

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