WNBA and USA women's basketball star Sabrina Ionescu opened up on learning under the mentorship of Kobe Bryant. Ionescu was one of the players who received one-on-one training from the LA Lakers legend.

WNBA and USA women's basketball star Sabrina Ionescu opens up on the influence that the late great Kobe Bryant had on her career, the WNBA title-winning shot for the New York Liberty and more.

Bryant served as a coach to Gianna's youth team and had trained and bonded with some of the game's biggest superstars, including the likes of Phoenix Mercury legend Diana Taurasi — nicknamed 'White Mamba' by Bryant himself — and New York Liberty 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.

During her rise to stardom in women's basketball, Sabrina Ionescu built up a strong relationship with Hall of Fame guard Kobe Bryant.

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.

Greatness recognizes greatness. From their trailer on the set of Michelob Ultra's Super Bowl LIX ad, WNBA star Sabrina Ionescu and NFL legend Randy Moss share praise for one another in exclusive interviews with PEOPLE.

Kobe was a hooper. And his aura, validation and embrace extended immeasurably into women’s hoops. He confirmed they are hoopers, too. He was an advocate for them to reach the mainstream of sports fandom. He shared in their belief of worthiness. His value to them and their game is unquestioned. Though he’s gone, they still feel it.

Lakers legend Kobe Bryant may have tragically died five years ago, but his impact on the entire sport of basketball continues to live on.

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.

On Sunday, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver released a statement marking five years since Bryant's death. ATLANTA — Sunday marks a somber milestone for the basketball and wider sports worlds, as it has been five years since Kobe Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven others died in a helicopter crash in Los Angeles.

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,