In the late years of his career, Kobe Bryant became the elder statesman for the younger generation of NBA stars, relishing in teaching the game of basketball. After his retirement, he continued to work with players and even began coaching his daughter Gianna’s basketball team.
His coaching and mentoring prompted him to launch a basketball venture in the form of the Mamba Sports Academy, where Bryant was heavily involved. It was on the way to the Thousand Oaks facility that he, Gianna, and seven others tragically died in an helicopter crash.
Months after his death, it appears the Mamba Sports Academy will honor the late Los Angeles Lakers icon with a unique gesture by removing his nickname in what since has been described as a mutual decision, according to Marc J.