Remembering Kobe and Gianna: 5 Years Later

by Val "The Voice" Johnson and Coach Tony Thompson.

I still cannot believe it’s been five years since we lost Kobe Bryant and his beautiful daughter Gianna. It’s one of those moments etched into history—a day that, years and years later, still prompts the question, “Where were you when you heard about Kobe?”

On January 26, 2020, Kobe Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter Gianna, and seven others tragically lost their lives in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California. Kobe was only 41 years old, but his impact on the game of basketball and the world extends far beyond his years.

Kobe retired from the NBA in 2016 as the league’s third all-time leading scorer, leaving behind a legacy cemented with five NBA championships and countless awe-inspiring moments during his 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers. According to Forbes, his $680 million in career earnings from salary and endorsements set a record for team athletes at the time. At the time of his passing, his net worth was estimated at $600 million.

In the wake of their passing, Kobe and Gianna's legacy has continued to inspire and uplift. Just weeks after the crash, Vanessa Bryant announced that the Mamba Sports Foundation—originally named after Kobe’s "Mamba" nickname—would be renamed the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation to honor Gianna, who was a rising basketball star herself. The foundation’s mission is to create positive opportunities for underserved athletes and young women in sports, a cause close to Kobe’s heart.

Personal Reflections

On January 26, 2020, I was attending a conference in San Antonio, Texas, led by the inspiring Dani Johnson and her incredible staff. In between sessions, someone tapped me on the shoulder and quietly said, “Kobe’s helicopter crashed in California.” My first reaction was disbelief—this couldn’t be real. It had to be fake news. But as confirmations started to pour in, the weight of the moment hit me like a wave. I kept thinking, What are we going to do without this gentleman? It felt impossible to comprehend. Why did this happen to him and his daughter?

As the reality of his passing set in, I started questioning, What was he doing in a helicopter? Then I learned he was doing what so many great retired NBA players do: supporting his children and their dreams. Gianna, his 13-year-old daughter, was an incredibly talented basketball player with a bright future ahead of her. She had the potential to play in college or even the WNBA by now. That day felt surreal, almost as if time had stopped. When I went online and confirmed the news, my heart sank. A few weeks later, I watched their funeral service and was overcome with emotion. It felt like I had lost a family member.

I had been following Kobe’s career from the very beginning—our ages were just two years apart—and I admired the way he transitioned into retirement with grace. He poured himself into fatherhood, especially supporting Gianna and her love of basketball. Losing him felt deeply personal, not just as a fan but as someone who had witnessed his journey from the start.

A Thoughtful Gift

Earlier last year, I was reminded of the lasting impact Kobe Bryant had on my life and the world of basketball when April Wheaton-White sent me a beautiful framed picture of Kobe with the words “Mamba Forever.” The frame honors his legacy as both number 8 and number 24 for the Lakers and features a quote from Kobe that resonated deeply with me: “You are responsible for how people remember you or don’t, so don’t take it lightly.” That framed piece now hangs proudly in my office, a constant reminder of Kobe’s drive, wisdom, and the way he inspired so many to approach life with purpose and passion. Thank you, April, for giving me a piece of his legacy to cherish forever.

Coach Tony’s Reflection

At the time of Kobe’s passing, I was in a coaching transition, preparing for the summer AAU travel basketball circuit planned in Las Vegas later that year. Because I was going to be on the West Coast, I had hoped to visit Kobe’s summer camp, meet him, and draw inspiration from his wisdom and approach to the game. When I first heard the news, I immediately thought, No, no, that can’t be right. Like so many others, I checked multiple news outlets, including CNN, before the heartbreaking reality set in. My plans to travel to Vegas and to visit Kobe’s camp were gone in an instant.

As a coach, I’ve always admired Kobe, not just for his talent, which brought the Lakers five championships, but for his leadership and dedication to the game. He worked alongside some of the most talented players in NBA history, but it was his Mamba Mentality—his relentless drive and belief in excellence—that continues to inspire me. At St. Cecilia’s Academy, I encourage my players, especially my girls, to embrace that same mentality. I tell them, You’ve got this. Use your talents and give it everything you’ve got. Reflecting on Kobe’s legacy five years later, I hope young players see not only his greatness as an athlete but also his love and devotion as a father. As a dedicated dad myself and now a grandfather, I understand the pride and passion he had for his family. Kobe brought so much to the game and to life, and his example will always remind me to inspire the next generation with purpose and heart.

Closing Thoughts

As we reflect on the lives of Kobe and Gianna Bryant, their story serves as a powerful reminder to be a light in the time we are given. Life is precious, and while we’re here, we must strive to be great moms, dads, teammates, and leaders in our careers or businesses. That’s something I’m learning to embrace every day with Pure Lighthouse Media, just as Coach Tony does with his RISE NIL company. It’s a privilege when we can come together to create meaningful content through Interludes Extra Presents Talk on Tuesdays and The Pull-Up Podcast Show with Coach Tony Thompson.

In honor of Kobe and Gianna’s legacy, we encourage you to do something special for your loved ones. Take time to have a meaningful dinner with family or support the dreams of a young person in your life who has a passion for sports or another calling. If you’re a parent, we know it can feel overwhelming driving to this practice or that game, but remember, Kobe’s parents did the same for him. Look at the incredible impact he made—not just in basketball but in life.

Finally, don’t forget to grab your copy of A DJ Saved My Life, the eBook by Val "The Voice" Johnson. This inspirational guide is perfect for anyone looking to find their voice and make an impact.

Let’s honor the memory of Kobe and Gianna by continuing to support and inspire those around us, striving for greatness in everything we do.

Valarie Johnson aka Val "The Voice" Johnson, Pure Lighthouse Media LLC

Coach Tony Thompson (Chicago Made) , Rize NIL