Lakers legend Kobe Bryant may have tragically died five years ago, but his impact on the entire sport of basketball continues to live on.

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 t

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.

Social media was filled with photographs, memories and stories of Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant as people looked back at his life and career.

Five years after the tragic passing of Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna Bryant, the sports world paid tribute to them.

A wave of tributes poured in online to commemorate the life of the late Kobe Bryant, whose 2020 death shook the sports world.