Regardless of your interest level in sports, Kobe Bryant’s cultural impact is undeniable. Just after graduating high school in 1996, Bryant was drafted in the first round by the Charlotte Hornets before being traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. During his illustrious two-decade career, the athlete made 18 All-Star appearances and won five NBA Championships before retiring in 2016. Off the court, Bryant enjoyed spending time with his wife Vanessa, whom he married in 2001. The couple raised four daughters: Natalia, Gianna, Bianka, and Capri. Bryant was a devoted father who shared his love for basketball with his children.
In 2020, fans around the world were left in shock when news broke that Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna tragically passed away in a fatal helicopter crash in Calabasas, California. Beyond his extraordinary talent as a basketball player, it was Bryant’s unrivaled work ethic and passion for the sport that inspired a generation. Having passed three years ago today, we look back on moments in Bryant’s life to honor his enduring legacy.
