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

Benyam Kidane

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

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.

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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

Jayson Tatum

Isaiah Thomas

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Remembering @kobebryant #VanessaBryant @NBAOfficial @Lakers #Lakers pic.twitter.com/MOmiST35SD

— Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (@kaj33) January 26, 2022

James Harden

🖤 pic.twitter.com/niZTfTWmTl

— James Harden (@JHarden13) January 26, 2022

Vince Carter

I’m thankful to see another year of life but it’s really tough to celebrate when the world lost a great human being on this same day. Rest well Kobe the world is truly missing a great one.
So on this day I celebrate you & I say thank you for the battles & the friendship.#8/24 pic.twitter.com/3eLr9cT6gS

— Vince Carter (@mrvincecarter15) January 26, 2022

Lamar Odom

Not a day goes by that I don’t mention my brother @kobebryant or think of him! 💜💛

— LAMAR ODOM (@RealLamarOdom) January 26, 2022

Caron Butler

🕊❤️🤲🏿 pic.twitter.com/oD8bRhtyXD

— Caron Butler (@realtuffjuice) January 26, 2022

Danilo Gallinari

After two years, it still doesn't feel real. You will live forever in us, Legend!
Ciao Kobe ❤️#KobeBryant #MambaForever pic.twitter.com/769A7kdlCa

— DANILO GALLINARI (@gallinari8888) January 26, 2022

Trae Young

Benyam Kidane

Benyam Kidane Photo

Benyam Kidane is a senior NBA editor and has been covering the league for The Sporting News since 2016. In his spare time you can find him watching Allen Iverson highlights on repeat.