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
β Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (@kaj33) January 26, 2022
James Harden
π€ pic.twitter.com/niZTfTWmTl
β James Harden (@JHarden13) January 26, 2022
Vince Carter
Iβm thankful to see another year of life but itβs 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.
β 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 donβt mention my brother @kobebryant or think of him! ππ
β LAMAR ODOM (@RealLamarOdom) January 26, 2022
Caron Butler
πβ€οΈπ€²πΏ pic.twitter.com/oD8bRhtyXD
β Caron Butler (@realtuffjuice) January 26, 2022
Danilo Gallinari
After two years, it still doesn't feel real. You will live forever in us, Legend!
β DANILO GALLINARI (@gallinari8888) January 26, 2022
Ciao Kobe β€οΈ#KobeBryant #MambaForever pic.twitter.com/769A7kdlCa