Remembering Kobe Bryant: NBA players pay homage to Lakers legend on anniversary of death

Two several years following 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 team to an AAU basketball match when he crashed into a Southern California hillside.

NBA League Pass: Sign up to unlock stay out-of-market video games (7-working day cost-free demo)

It was a devastating working day for not only the NBA, but also the entire environment. Bryant experienced come to be a larger-than-life figure over the course of his career, which spanned 20 seasons and showcased five championship runs. For several qualified athletes, Bryant’s legacy and impact has endured in the years due to the fact the tragic crash and served as a supply of inspiration.

On the anniversary of his demise, latest and previous NBA gamers despatched out tributes to Bryant on social media, which includes Lakers ahead Carmelo Anthony and six-time NBA champion Scottie Pippen.

NBA gamers keep in mind Kobe Bryant

Carmelo Anthony

Jusuf Nurkic

Scottie Pippen

Jayson Tatum

Isaiah Thomas

Trae Young