WATCH: Rare clip shows events leading up to Kobe Bryant’s ICONIC picture with NBA championship

Kobe Bryant died in a helicopter crash with his daughter Gigi four years ago.

WATCH: Rare clip shows events leading up to Kobe Bryant’s ICONIC picture with NBA championship

Kobe Bryant sitting with an NBA championship. (via Open Source/X)

The iconic image of the late Kobe Bryant sitting in the showers with the renowned Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy in 2001 remains etched in basketball history. Despite holding the coveted trophy, Bryant’s demeanor in the photo appears emotionless, prompting curiosity about the events leading to this moment—a story not commonly known by everyone.

As per Chris Ballard‘s account for Sports Illustrated, Kobe Bryant faced challenges with his parents due to their opposition to his early marriage to Vanessa Bryant. Reports suggested that his parents did not support the relationship, and this disapproval became a source of tension for Kobe during that period.

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Chris Ballard wrote:

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The falling out occurred in 2000, though neither Joe nor Kobe talks about it publicly anymore. At 21, Kobe got engaged to 18-year-old Vanessa Laine, whom he had met on the set of a video shoot when she was a high school senior. Joe did not approve. The problem, according to the Los Angeles Times, was that Joe was "uncomfortable that Vanessa, a Latina, is not African American, and he is uneasy with [Kobe's] selfless devotion to her.

This caused a serious rift between him and his dad. Ballard went on to reveal:

When the Lakers played three games in Philadelphia during the 2001 NBA Finals, Joe was nowhere to be found. When, at the end of that series, the Lakers triumphed and Kobe was spotted holding the trophy in the shower and crying, everyone assumed it was out of joy, or relief.

Despite the personal turmoil, Kobe displayed remarkable focus and composure on the court, playing a pivotal role in the LA Lakers securing another championship. Of course, he would go on to become the biggest legend in the history of the storied franchise.

Remembering Kobe Bryant, four years on

It’s been four years today since Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna and four others died in the ill-fated helicopter crash, with his legacy shining on still after his death. Kobe is still seen as an inspiration for basketball players around the world, and also in the NBA.

Kobe Bryant is widely considered as one of the greatest basketball players of all time (Basketball Network)
Kobe Bryant is widely considered as one of the greatest basketball players of all time (via Open Source/X)

In honor of Kobe Bryant’s lasting impact, the Los Angeles Lakers have planned to reveal a bronze statue of the basketball legend at Star Plaza outside Crypto.com Arena on February 8. This tribute is carefully aligned with the date, highlighting the iconic Nos. 8 and 24 jerseys that Bryant donned throughout his illustrious Lakers career.

Introduced in 2020, the Kobe Bryant Trophy for All-Star MVP serves as a powerful testament to his impact on the game. Notable recipients of this prestigious award comprise Kawhi Leonard (2020), Giannis Antetokounmpo (2021), Steph Curry (2022), and Jayson Tatum (2023).

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