Six years have passed since that fateful day when the world received the devastating news of the helicopter crash that claimed the lives of NBA icon Kobe Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter Gianna "Gigi" Bryant, and seven other individuals. This Monday, January 26, 2026, marked another solemn anniversary, with the global sports community joining the Bryant family in pausing to honor and reflect upon their remarkable legacy.
A Daughter's Silent Tribute
Natalia Bryant, the eldest daughter of Kobe and Vanessa Bryant, took to her Instagram stories to post a deeply moving tribute on this emotional anniversary. The 23-year-old University of Southern California alumna shared a simple yet powerful photograph of her father and younger sister Gigi, accompanied only by a single red heart emoji. This understated gesture served as a profoundly affectionate sign of remembrance, showcasing the quiet strength and resilience that has characterized the Bryant family since their tragic loss in 2020.
Focusing on the Man Behind the Legend
While the Los Angeles Lakers organization and the entire NBA community continue to celebrate Kobe Bryant's extraordinary basketball achievements—including his five championship titles and his legendary "Black Mamba" mentality—Natalia's tribute beautifully highlighted the personal dimension of her loss. In recent years, she has skillfully balanced her emerging career in both the fashion and film industries with her important role as a torchbearer for her father's inspirational mission.
Just last year, Natalia appeared in a prominent Nike commercial alongside basketball star Jalen Brunson, actively ensuring that the "Mamba Mentality" continues to motivate and inspire upcoming generations of athletes worldwide. Her efforts demonstrate how Kobe's influence extends far beyond the basketball court, touching lives through perseverance, dedication, and family values.
Organizational and Peer Tributes
The Los Angeles Lakers organization also participated in the remembrance activities, sharing the now-iconic photograph of Kobe wearing his distinctive orange WNBA hoodie alongside his daughter Gigi. Their accompanying message was concise yet profoundly meaningful: "Mamba & Mambacita forever." This simple phrase captured the eternal bond between father and daughter, resonating deeply with fans and fellow athletes alike.
Former rivals and teammates joined in honoring the memory, with Vince Carter—who entered the NBA during the same era as Kobe—posting a heartfelt message on social media. Carter wrote, "Rest easy Kobe Bean and Gigi the world truly misses you both..." followed by a handshake emoji, symbolizing respect and camaraderie. He also shared a photograph memorializing all nine individuals who tragically lost their lives in that 2020 accident.
Family Strength and Continuing Legacy
Vanessa Bryant, Kobe's widow, has remained the unwavering foundation of the family, raising their three daughters—Natalia, 9-year-old Bianka, and 6-year-old Capri—while actively championing the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation. On this anniversary, she too shared an image of Kobe and Gigi on her Instagram, accompanied by red heart emojis that expressed her enduring love for the two precious family members she lost.
As for Natalia, she continues to forge her own distinctive path while honoring her family's legacy. She has recently begun serving as a creative director for Lakers-related projects, blending her professional aspirations with her personal history. Her annual tributes serve as poignant reminders that while the world mourned the loss of a basketball legend, she experienced the profound personal loss of a father and a sister. Six years after the tragedy, that familial bond remains vividly present and emotionally resonant.
Together with the Bryant family, the global community continues to mourn, remember, and celebrate the lives of Kobe and Gianna Bryant, ensuring their legacy endures through both athletic excellence and personal inspiration.
