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
— Carmelo Anthony (@carmeloanthony) January 26, 2022
Jusuf Nurkic
RIP Kobe and Gigi ❤️❤️🙏🏻🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/X1HjPgFgU0
— Jusuf Nurkić (@bosnianbeast27) January 26, 2022
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, 2022
Jayson Tatum
🙏🏽🤞🏽❤️ https://t.co/Ec1bKLSGEC
— Jayson Tatum (@jaytatum0) January 26, 2022
Isaiah Thomas
🙏🏾💙🐐 pic.twitter.com/WOg4dzY8mA
— Isaiah Thomas (@isaiahthomas) January 26, 2022
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Remembering @kobebryant #VanessaBryant @NBAOfficial @Lakers #Lakers pic.twitter.com/MOmiST35SD
— Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (@kaj33) January 26, 2022
James Harden
— 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.
— Vince Carter (@mrvincecarter15) January 26, 2022
So on this day I celebrate you & I say thank you for the battles & the friendship.#8/24 pic.twitter.com/3eLr9cT6gS
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!
— DANILO GALLINARI (@gallinari8888) January 26, 2022
Ciao Kobe ❤️#KobeBryant #MambaForever pic.twitter.com/769A7kdlCa
Trae Young
♾ 🖤🤍 pic.twitter.com/W9gwiJhYDg
— Trae Young (@TheTraeYoung) January 26, 2022
