Social media was filled with photographs, memories and stories of Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant as people looked back at his life and career.
Although Sunday marked a difficult anniversary, the basketball world has been contemplating Bryant's legacy throughout the past five years. Multiple NBA stars spoke with Yahoo Sports last year about the Black Mamba's impact, ahead of the fourth anniversary of the Lakers star's passing.
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 tragedy was met with countless tributes, mourning, and remembrance from the sports community. Five years later, their legends live on. The NBA world reacted to the anniversary of the Bryants' death across social media on Sunday. Here's a look:
"R.I.P. Kobe. Let’s bring it back for him and Philly," C.J. Gardner-Johnson said after the Eagles’ victory on Sunday.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued the following statement on the 5-year anniversary of Kobe Bryant’s passing: “Kobe Bryant continues to serve as an inspiration to aspiring and current NBA and WNBA players, young athletes playing at all levels and those who are motivated solely by his relentless pursuit of excellence.
Even with all of 2020's tragedies, the events of Jan. 26 still devastate. On the anniversary of that horrific crash, we remember Kobe Bryant, daughter Gianna and the other seven souls lost.
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.
NASCAR Pays Heartfelt Tribute to Kobe Bryant at Auto Club Speedway, honoring his legacy with special car designs and emotional moments.
The G.O.A.T Kobe Bryant met one of his biggest inspirations at an NBA game and revealed how he crafted his discipline because of the film.
Five years ago on January 26, 2020, the world lost Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna in a tragic helicopter crash. Tributes poured in all day including one from Bryant’s one-time Los Angeles Lakers star teammate Shaquille O’Neal.