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.

In the five years since Kobe Bryant and eight others died in a helicopter crash, the Hall of Fame hoopster's legend has only grown.

While Kobe Bryant and Giannad are no longer with us, his family, friends, and millions of fans continue to honor their memory on the anniversary of their passing.