One year ago, Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna and seven others lost their lives in a tragic helicopter crash in Southern California.
Bryant’s death impacted people far and wide, and there has been an outpouring of tributes Tuesday on the one-year anniversary of the NBA legend’s death. But those in the sporting community perhaps felt Bryant’s death most, and some of his former teammates and opponents — and admirers from further away — shared their thoughts.
Magic Johnson, whose Lakers career ended shortly before Bryant’s rise to Lakers fame began, shared a moment with Bryant on the Staples Center court before Bryant played his final game in 2016. And Tuesday, he wrote on Twitter that “Laker Nation we will always remember the brilliance, the legend, and the mamba mentality of #8/#24”.
Bruce Bowen, who played for the San Antonio Spurs for eight seasons, tweeted: “Sometimes we don’t realize how precious life is until those who raised the bar are no longer here. Make sure you give your BEST in all you do………Kobe did.”
Sometimes we don’t realize how precious life is until those who raised the bar are no longer here. Make sure you give your BEST in all you do………Kobe did. pic.twitter.com/1cXwQdwkL3
— Bruce Bowen (@Bowen12) January 26, 2021
Six-time NBA Champion Scottie Pippen always shared a note on Twitter, along with a video of he and Bryant at a basketball tournament.
“I’ll always wish I had one more conversation with Kobe,” Pippen wrote. “For all his greatness and everything he accomplished, his best days were still to come. My thoughts are with the family and friends of Kobe, Gianna, and all the others who were taken from us far too soon a year ago today.”
I’ll always wish I had one more conversation with Kobe. For all his greatness and everything he accomplished, his best days were still to come. My thoughts are with the family and friends of Kobe, Gianna, and all the others who were taken from us far too soon a year ago today. pic.twitter.com/SrZunsSqo1
— Scottie Pippen (@ScottiePippen) January 26, 2021
Bryant won five NBA titles and was an 18-time All-Star.
Other athletes, including J.J. Watt and Cooper Kupp of the NFL, shared in remembrances.
The Dallas Mavericks announced the franchise would retire No. 24, one of Bryant’s numbers.
Remembering Kobe and Gianna one year later 🖤 Number 24 will never again be worn by a Dallas Maverick.
— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) January 26, 2021
Our thoughts are with the Bryant family today and always. pic.twitter.com/bHWg4vayRF
— Trae Young (@TheTraeYoung) January 26, 2021
We all miss the Great Kobe Bryant and his legacy will continue to live within all of us, but also make sure we Pray for Vanessa and her family and all the families that lost love ones on this day last year. 💜🙏🏾🙌🏾
— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) January 26, 2021
“The most important thing is to try and inspire people so that they can be great in whatever they want to do.”
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) January 26, 2021
Mission accomplished.
Rest In Peace Kobe. pic.twitter.com/7TR1ladjGU
“Legends Never Die.”
— Cooper Kupp (@CooperKupp) January 26, 2021
Thank you, Kobe, for inspiring all of us in one way or another. The Mamba Mentality lives on. pic.twitter.com/QYeJCqU6Cf
• Andy Kostka can be reached at akostka@washingtontimes.com.
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