It has been five years since Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant tragically passed away. However, it wasn't just Bryant that was lost that day as nine people
Five years after NBA great Kobe Bryant, 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven others were killed in a helicopter crash in California, several women’s basketball players reflected on what he meant to their game and how he championed it.
The Lakers shared a message that many fans around the globe were thinking on the fifth anniversary of Kobe and Gigi Bryant's tragic death.
Kobe Bryant may be gone, but his "Mamba Mentality" lives on. Five years after his death, Bryant's legacy continues to grow and inspire.
Bryant stepped off the court in a Lakers jersey for the final time the following year. He scored 60 points in his finale and finished his career with 33,643 points. He ranks fourth all-time in scoring, behind LeBron James (41,396), Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (38,387) and Karl Malone (36,928).
Survived by his wife Vanessa and daughters Natalia, Bianka and Capri, Kobe's contribution to basketball is immeasurable. Beyond the five NBA championships he won for the Los Angeles Lakers, the greatest athletes of all sports continue to live by his "Mamba Mentality" mindset.
Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant died Jan. 26, 2020 at age 41. Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, were among nine people killed in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California.
A Denver-based artist was commissioned by Nike to paint a Kobe Bryant mural in Venice Beach. An Instagram post featuring the piece has been viewed 2 million times.
Five years ago, the world lost baseball coach John Altobelli, his wife Keri, and their daughter Alyssa; NBA legend Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gigi; Payton Chester and her mother, Sarah; educator and basketball coach Christina Mauser,
Using Kobe Bryant’s own words from the award-winning short film “Dear Basketball" as an inspiration, FOX 11 wrote a version titled "Dear Kobe," that's narrated by the legendary Morgan Freeman.
Kobe was a hooper. And his aura, validation and embrace extended immeasurably into women’s hoops. He confirmed they are hoopers, too. He was an advocate for them to reach the mainstream of sports fandom. He shared in their belief of worthiness. His value to them and their game is unquestioned. Though he’s gone, they still feel it.