That epitomized the late NBA great’s relationship with the women’s game. After his 20-year playing career ended, Bryant turned his focus to the next generation, mentoring some of women’s basketball’s biggest stars, from WNBA champion and Olympic gold medalist Diana Taurasi to former Oregon star Sabrina Ionescu.

On the fifth anniversary of Kobe Bryant's death, columnist Bill Plaschke remains in mourning while sharing what the Lakers legend might have done for L.A.

Five years after his sudden passing, Kobe Bryant's impact on women's basketball continues to reverberate. Golden State Warriors superstar Steph Curry spoke about the late Hall of Famer's lasting impact on the women's game and hailed Bryant as one of the predominant forces behind its rise before his death.

Many WNBA players believe Kobe Bryant would be pleased with the overall progress of women’s sports, which have skyrocketed in popularity and reach in recent years.

Elle Duncan tells the story of when she met Kobe Bryant and how he told her he loved being the father of daughters. Snoop Dogg raps a tribute to honor the late Kobe Bryant, who died in a helicopter crash in January. The biggest names in women's hoops reflect on Kobe Bryant's determination to shine a light on their sport.

Dearica Hamby still smiles at the memory of Kobe Bryant sitting courtside at WNBA ... from WNBA champion and Olympic gold medalist Diana Taurasi to former Oregon star Sabrina Ionescu.

Bryant turned his focus to the next generation, mentoring some of women's basketball's biggest stars, from WNBA champion and Olympic gold medalist Diana Taurasi to former Oregon star Sabrina Ionescu.

FILE - Former Los Angeles Laker Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna Bryant ... from WNBA champion and Olympic gold medalist Diana Taurasi to former Oregon star Sabrina Ionescu.

Five years after NBA great Kobe Bryant, 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven others were killed in a helicopter crash in California, several women’s basketball players reflected on what he meant to their game and how he championed it.

Nike is the king of basketball sneakers, thanks in large part to the partnership that the brand developed with Michael Jordan. But Jordan isn’t to only basketball star who has scored a deal with Nike.

I remember, first, the fog. Sitting in the back of a cab headed down from my foothills home to LAX early on the morning of Jan. 26,

Dearica Hamby still smiles at the memory of Kobe Bryant sitting courtside at WNBA games. She had met him years ago. He came to see her old team, the Las Vegas Aces, play all the time. “I think one of the first things he told me was that I could play defence,