Kobe was a hooper. And his aura, validation and embrace extended immeasurably into women’s hoops. He confirmed they are hoopers, too. He was an advocate for them to reach the mainstream of sports fandom. He shared in their belief of worthiness. His value to them and their game is unquestioned. Though he’s gone, they still feel it.

The Los Angeles Lakers' social media offering on Sunday morning was both delightfully sweet and devastatingly sad. The sweet part of the post on X was a photo of Lakers legend Kobe Bryant with his arm around Gianna,