Basketball Community Remembers Kobe on His Death Anniversary

January 26, 2020. It's the date basketball was hit with a devastating tragedy.

On this day last year, Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna, and seven others were killed in a horrific helicopter crash northwest of downtown Los Angeles. Kobe was 41 while Gianna was 13.

One year later, some fans are still grieving from the loss. The Los Angeles Lakers made it known that the team has no activities planned to commemorate the death of the legend who spent 20 years with the team. The Bryant also requested the National Basketball Association (NBA) and NBA teams not to hold tributes for the late Black Mamba but that didn't stop the community from commemorating his life and greatness both on and off the basketball court. 

Prior to their game against the Lakers whom the late Kobe Bryant led to five NBA championships, the Cleveland Cavaliers had a video tribute for the Hall of Fame-bound legend. LeBron James, who passed the Black Mamba for third place on the all-time scoring list right before Bryant's demise, said, "There's a lot of things that die in this world but legends never die,"

The Lakers went on to score a 115-108 victory against the Cavs with LeBron James exploding for a season-high 46 points. 

In Brooklyn, Kyrie Irving walked into the arena wearing a Kobe number eight jersey. 

In the Philippines, Filipinos commemorate the lives of Kobe and Gianna in various ways. 

Last year, the House of Kobe was inaugurated in Valenzuela City just hours before the crash. On Tuesday,  a simple groundbreaking ceremony was held for a multi-purpose hall that will be called "Gigi's Crib" that will be built beside the House of Kobe. 

ESPN is also planning a primetime tribute in honor of Kobe Bryant on Sunday (Monday Manila time). 

Photo is from Hello! Magazine