January 26th will always be a lasting reminder for NBA fans on the legacy of Kobe Bryant. That same reminder lives on through the words and actions of the Los Angeles Lakers legends who were also there to witness his greatness.
During the second anniversary of Kobe Bryant's death, an outpouring of love emanated from some icons of the Lakers franchise to pay tribute to their fallen peer.
The ever Twitter-present Magic Johnson posted some photos together with Kobe Bryant over the years. He also had a short but sweet message for the Mamba.
Kobe left an incredible legacy both on the court and off. We will never forget #8/24! pic.twitter.com/0yxOTkhiMo
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 27, 2022
Longtime Lakers teammate Lamar Odom played with Kobe Bryant for seven seasons, but it's clear that the memories they made together will last him a lifetime.
https://twitter.com/RealLamarOdom/status/1486368791529467910
Lamar Odom gifted a custom chain of Kobe and Gigi Bryant. pic.twitter.com/TFc5i6SDp4
— SAY CHEESE! 👄🧀 (@SaycheeseDGTL) January 26, 2022
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar sent out a video message to Lakers fans everywhere highlighting not just his on-court persona, but his work alongside his daughter Gianna on empowering females into the sport of basketball.
“Hey Laker nation, it's Kareem. … I know many of you are out there and you still miss him, you still wish to see his brilliance on the court. And what he was doing as a dad, it was wonderful the way he was coaching girls and getting them into the game. I hope all of you out there remember him the way you should and give your prayers to his wife and family.”
Remembering @kobebryant #VanessaBryant @NBAOfficial @Lakers #Lakers pic.twitter.com/MOmiST35SD
— Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (@kaj33) January 26, 2022
Mychal Thompson, who played five seasons and won two championships with the Lakers, had a succinct three-word message that best describes what everyone's feeling at this point.
I miss Kobe
— Mychal Thompson (@champagnennuts) January 26, 2022
In an interview with the New York Times released on the date, Lakers icon Jerry West was vocal on Kobe Bryant and how he was ready for life beyond basketball before the tragedy.
Via Tania Ganguli:
“He was just one of those unique players that comes along. He had a big personality. He was very bright. He was going to be a bigger success off the court than on the court. He was taken away too young.”
Kobe Bryant wasn't the first Lakers superstar and certainly won't be the last. But the lasting impact he's made for the ones who came before him and the ones still to follow will live on forever.
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