Two years after his tragic death, Kobe Bryant continues to have a strong presence in the NBA community.
The Lakers legend, his daughter Gianna and seven others were killed in a helicopter crash on January 26, 2020. Ara Zobayan, the helicopter’s pilot, was transporting the group to an AAU basketball game when it crashed into a southern California hillside.
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It was a devastating day not only for the NBA, but also for the entire world. Bryant had become a larger-than-life figure over the course of his career, which spanned 20 seasons and featured five championships. For many professional athletes, Bryant’s legacy and impact have lived on in the years since the tragic accident and have served as a source of inspiration.
On the anniversary of his death, current and former NBA players have sent tributes to Bryant on social media, including Lakers forward Carmelo Anthony and six-time NBA champion Scottie Pippen.
NBA players remember Kobe Bryant
carmel anthony
-Carmelo Antonio (@carmeloantonio) January 26, 2023
Jusuf Nurkic
RIP Kobe and Gigi ❤️❤️🙏🏻🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/X1HjPgFgU0
— Jusuf Nurkić (@bosnianbeast27) January 26, 2023
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, 2023
Jayson Tatum
🙏🏽🤞🏽❤️ https://t.co/Ec1bKLSGEC
— Jayson Tatum (@jaytatum0) January 26, 2023
Isaiah Thomas
🙏🏾💙🐐 pic.twitter.com/WOg4dzY8mA
— Isaiah Thomas (@isaiahthomas) January 26, 2023
Bring Young
♾ 🖤🤍 pic.twitter.com/W9gwiJhYDg
—Trae Young (@TheTraeYoung) January 26, 2023