Lakers legend Kobe Bryant: Remembrances and reaction

Monday, January 27, 2025

Los Angeles Lakerslegend Kobe Bryant died Jan. 26, 2020 at age 41. Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, were among nine people killed in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California.

Bryant entered the NBA straight out of high school in 1996 and won five championships and one regular-season MVP award. Across the world, players, coaches and fans mourned Bryant's death. The NBA announced after his death that the All-Star Game MVP award, which he won four times, would be renamed in his honor.

Kobe's greatness was both beautiful and maddening

Kobe had the skill and knowledge to be any kind of player he wanted to be.-- Zach Lowe

Inside Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan's private friendship

"The Last Dance" offered a glimpse into the Michael Jordan-Kobe Bryant relationship, but the bond between the two basketball icons goes far deeper.

Pau Gasol, Kobe Bryant and the bond of brothers

Pau Gasol knew Kobe Bryant like few others -- and he cherishes each of those memories, big and small. He's "Uncle Pau." -- Ramona Shelburne

Kobe Bryant's legacy is all over the NBA floor

Kobe Bryant's imprint on the look and feel of modern basketball is among his greatest legacies, writes Kirk Goldsberry.

Kobe was relentless, curious and infinitely complicated

Jackie MacMullan remembers the Lakers legend as a man with limitless possibilities on and off the court.

Kobe Bryant never stopped trying to inspire

Kobe Bryant approached his post-basketball life with the same Mamba Mentality he displayed as a player: an audacious, unyielding will to motivate the next generation. -- Ramona Shelburne

The Kobe memorial, and the moments that moved us

Vanessa Bryant, Michael Jordan, Shaquille O'Neal and Diana Taurasi were among those who spoke during the memorial, while Beyonce, Alicia Keys and Christina Aguilera performed. Here is how Los Angeles, the Lakers and the NBA world honored Kobe and Gianna Bryant.

What was said after Kobe's death

People closest to Kobe Bryant shared the stories they looked back on ahead of his memorial service. --Ramona Shelburne

Reckoning with Kobe Bryant's complicated past

With Kobe's death, Roxane Gay finds herself in the uncomfortable position of having to challenge her own rigidity in such matters.

The longest flight in Lakers history

The morning after LeBron James passed Kobe Bryant for third in all-time scoring, on the flight home from Philadelphia, the Lakers learned of Bryant's death.-- Dave McMenamin

Detail: Honoring Kobe Bryant