Gigi, Kobe Bryant get touchdown credit from Bulls
Six years have passed since then Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna “Gigi” Bryant killed in a helicopter crash. It was a moment that still affects Lakers and basketball fans alike. On Monday, the Lakers were on the road to take on the Bulls in Chicago.
During the game, United Center he made sure to recognize Kobe and Gigi, per ClutchPoints. It was a moment where Lakers and Bulls fans cheered.
United Center honors Kobe and Gigi Bryant at tonight’s Bulls-Lakers game 💜💛
(via @DravesZachari) pic.twitter.com/iSIdKDPTFV
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) January 27, 2026
On January 26, 2020, Kobe, Gigi and seven other people were traveling in a helicopter when it crashed in Calabasas, California. They were on their way to a youth basketball game. After that, the sports world went through a period of intense mourning that probably didn’t let up. In Los Angeles, the sight of many wearing No. 8 and No. 24 is stronger than ever.
The other victims are John Altobelli, his wife Carrie and their 14-year-old daughter Alyssa. Also, Sarah Chester and her 13-year-old daughter Peyton. Kristina Mauser and pilot Ara Zobajan.
Most recently, the Lakers celebrated its 20th anniversary Kobe’s epic 81 point game. Also, if Gigi was around today, she would have turned 20 on May 1st. She would graduate from high school and enter college, possibly playing at UConn, her favorite college team.
Chicago has a special connection to Kobe, in large part because he went up against Michael Jordan when he first broke into the NBA in 1996. When the Kobe and Shaq dynasty collapsed in 2004, Bryant even considered playing for the Bulls. He even looked at houses in the Chicago area.
Luckily, once a Laker, always a Laker.
2026-01-27 02:24:00
