Five years ago today, NBA legend Kobe Bryant, along with his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven others, tragically lost their lives in a helicopter accident in Calabasas, California, at the age of 41.

Bryant’s profound influence on both sports and entertainment continues to resonate, as evidenced by the outpouring of tributes honoring his numerous accomplishments, both on and off the basketball court.

Dearica Hamby fondly recalls Bryant being a regular at WNBA games: “I think one of the first things he told me was that I could play defense. And I was kind of like ‘Wha-at?’ … That’s something I’ll cherish with me forever.”

Bryant was deeply involved in mentoring women’s basketball stars after his distinguished 20-year career, working with athletes like WNBA champion Diana Taurasi and Sabrina Ionescu from the University of Oregon.

Hammy stated that if Bryant recognized talent in a player’s defense, they indeed had a unique skill set.

Numerous basketball players recognized Bryant’s significant contributions to the women’s game and expressed their belief that he would be proud of its current trajectory, particularly noting the WNBA’s growth in viewership and attendance.

Looking back on the anniversary of Bryant’s death, Satou Sabally remarked on the emotional impact it still has on her, reflecting on how Kobe connected players and how he was a fervent advocate for women’s basketball.

Byron Scott and Kate Martin also shared their remembrances, highlighting how profoundly missed Bryant is while assuring that his legacy endures. “He’s greatly missed,” Martin reflected, “But now his legacy will live on forever.”