That epitomized the late NBA great's relationship with the women's game. After his 20-year playing career ended, Bryant turned his focus to the next generation, mentoring some of women's basketball's biggest stars, from WNBA champion and Olympic gold medalist Diana Taurasi to former Oregon star Sabrina Ionescu.

Five years after the tragic passing of Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna Bryant, the sports world paid tribute to them.

A wave of tributes poured in online to commemorate the life of the late Kobe Bryant, whose 2020 death shook the sports world.

Kobe Bryant, who spent his entire career with the Los Angeles Lakers, made an indelible impact on both his team and the area throughout his life. Bryant, an 18-time All-Star, led the team to five NBA championships in a 10-year span,