The Los Angeles Lakers and collective sports world recently navigated a somber stretch that marked one year since the tragic death of Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna, and seven additional passengers on a helicopter.
The spirit of the late Lakers legend has accompanied the team and city ever since the horrific incident. It provided the Lakers with extra motivation in the Orlando bubble, where they won the franchise’s 17th NBA title last season.
Kyle Kuzma recently opened up on how difficult it still has been to come to terms with Bryant’s passing. The anniversary only amplified those feelings to the extent Lakers head coach Frank Vogel gave his team a day off to grieve and honor the memory of their mentor and friend on Jan.