Kobe Bryant Tributes Pour in on One-Year Anniversary of His Death
Ice Cube, Snoop Dogg and many more honor Kobe Bryant on the first anniversary of his death.
Tuesday January 26th 2020 marked one year since the fatal helicopter accident in Calabasas, California that claimed the lives of Kobe Bryant, Gianna Bryant and seven members of their Mamba Sports Academy team. The event was one of the last moments of communal grieving before the COVID-19 pandemic, and with the memory still fresh on the minds of many, Bryant’s friends, fellow athletes and entertainers alike flooded social media with heartfelt tributes.
Across the sports world, former teammates and members of organizations of each and every sports league paused for a moment of appreciation. Take a look at some of the heartfelt words below.
Magic Johnson
On this day, one year later, we want to remember not only Kobe but Gianna Bryant, John Altobelli, Keri Altobelli, Alyssa Altobelli, Christina Mauser, Sarah Chester, Payton Chester, and Ara Zobayan.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 26, 2021
Laker great and Hall of Famer Magic Johnson honored the Bryants and the members of their Mamba League team.
Ice Cube
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Legendary Los Angeles MC Ice Cube shared a shot of them from 2002, at the Lakers’ third championship victory parade of Kobe’s career.
Snoop Dogg
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Snoop’s tribute post rewinds to his gift to the Laker legend after his 2016 retirement: a 1966 Pontiac Parisienne painted purple and gold. Snoop also performed a special tribute summarizing Kobe’s career for ESPN.
Dwyane Wade
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Wade shares a heartwarming clip from Kobe’s farewell tour: a post-game press conference where Kobe jokingly reminded Wade of an unfortunate truth: that he’d be (one of) the oldest stars in the league after that season.
Common
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Common shared a lengthy tribute on Twitter, but kept things short and sweet with a heartfelt illustration on Instagram.
Janet Jackson
— Janet Jackson (@JanetJackson) January 26, 2021
2 Chainz
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2 Chainz shared an old snapshot of his fellow Virgo and daughter Gianna.
Pau Gasol
I miss you, hermano… pic.twitter.com/Wd2MdT1JZ0
— Pau Gasol (@paugasol) January 26, 2021
Former Laker teammate and godfather to Bryant’s kids, Gasol shared a tearjerking tribute on Twitter. “You spirit, your drive, your ambition, your love,” he wrote, “continue to shine in my life and in many others.”
Vanessa Bryant
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On the eve of the anniversary, Vanessa Bryant shared a letter from one of Gianna’s best friends.
Michael B. Jordan
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The Creed star reflected on the lessons he’s taken from the past year on Instagram.
Viola Davis
Missed and loved. Heart goes out to Vanessa and family today 💔💔🙏🏿🙏🏿 pic.twitter.com/7TOKESaxTm
— Viola Davis (@violadavis) January 26, 2021
“Missed and loved,” Davis tweeted. “Heart goes out to Vanessa and family today.”
Kyrie Irving
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With the Brooklyn Nets on an off day, Kobe protege Kyrie Irving wore a shirt honoring Bryant to the team’s practice on Tuesday.
Dr. Dre
At last year’s 2020 NBA All-Star Weekend, Dr. Dre shared a rousing tribute instrumental featuring visuals from Gibson Hazard and Jack Bannon.
