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

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.