Remembering Kobe Bryant: NBA players pay homage to Lakers legend on anniversary of death
Two years after his tragic death, Kobe Bryant remains a strong presence in the NBA community.
The Lakers legend, his daughter Gianna and seven others died in a helicopter crash on Jan. 26, 2020. Ara Zobayan, the pilot of the helicopter, was transporting the group to an AAU basketball game when he crashed into a Southern California hillside.
NBA League Pass: Sign up to unlock live out-of-market games (7-day free trial)
It was a devastating day for not only the NBA, but also the entire world. Bryant had become a larger-than-life figure over the course of his career, which spanned 20 seasons and featured five championship runs. For many professional athletes, Bryant’s legacy and impact has endured in the years since the tragic crash and served as a source of inspiration.
On the anniversary of his death, current and former NBA players sent out tributes to Bryant on social media, including Lakers forward Carmelo Anthony and six-time NBA champion Scottie Pippen.
NBA players remember Kobe Bryant
Carmelo Anthony
Jusuf Nurkic
Scottie Pippen
A sad day thinking about the loss of a friend, a father, a husband, and one of the greatest. Remembering Kobe and his beautiful daughter Gigi, and thinking of the family and friends of all who lost their lives two years ago. pic.twitter.com/4wvQbgPNoh
— Scottie Pippen (@ScottiePippen) January 26, 2022
Jayson Tatum
Isaiah Thomas
