Apart from his five NBA championships, Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant's legacy is built upon how he inspired this generation of basketball players. The 41-year-old retired superstar and his daughter Gianna Bryant were confirmed dead on Sunday, after figuring in a tragic helicopter crash in Calabasas, California. Among those who looked up to Bryant is current Los Angeles Lakers player Kyle Kuzma, who took to Instagram to honor his fallen idol.
The 6-foot-8 forward shared an old photo of himself donning Kobe Bryant's iconic number eight jersey, including images of his encounters with Bryant when he made it to the pros.
In a lengthy caption, Kuzma went in great detail how he used to mimic Bryant's signature fadeaway jumper in an empty gym. Kuzma also shared how Bryant was like a brother to him, and always made himself available whenever he needed advice.
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Kyle Kuzma never got the chance to team up with Bryant on the hardwood, as he was drafted by Lakers 27th overall in 2017, just a year after Bryant retired from basketball. Upon his retirement, Kobe still made appearances at Staples Center from time to time and offered guidance to the team's young stars.
Prior to his shocking death, Kobe, together with Gianna, was present in the Lakers hosting of the Atlanta Hawks last November at Staples Center. His last social media posts were an ode to current Lakers superstar LeBron James, who passed him for third place in points scored All-Time just a day before his shocking demise.
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