Although Sunday marked a difficult anniversary, the basketball world has been contemplating Bryant's legacy throughout the past five years. Multiple NBA stars spoke with Yahoo Sports last year about the Black Mamba's impact, ahead of the fourth anniversary of the Lakers star's passing.

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.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued the following statement on the 5-year anniversary of Kobe Bryant’s passing: “Kobe Bryant continues to serve as an inspiration to aspiring and current NBA and WNBA players, young athletes playing at all levels and those who are motivated solely by his relentless pursuit of excellence.

The tragedy was met with countless tributes, mourning, and remembrance from the sports community. Five years later, their legends live on. The NBA world reacted to the anniversary of the Bryants' death across social media on Sunday. Here's a look:

Even with all of 2020's tragedies, the events of Jan. 26 still devastate. On the anniversary of that horrific crash, we remember Kobe Bryant, daughter Gianna and the other seven souls lost.

Sunday’s game meant a lot to Eagles safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson. Not only did his team win the NFC championship, securing a trip to New Orleans for another chance at the Lombardi trophy, but it happened on the fifth anniversary of Kobe Bryant’s death.

A Denver-based artist was commissioned by Nike to paint a Kobe Bryant mural in Venice Beach. An Instagram post featuring the piece has been viewed 2 million times.

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.

The Los Angeles Lakers' social media offering on Sunday morning was both delightfully sweet and devastatingly sad.

The impact of Bryant’s career, and the ‘Mamba Mentality,’ carry on in the kind of way that almost makes you forget that he’s gone.

On the side of a gym in downtown Los Angeles, two figures with angelic wings — Kobe Bryant, who won five NBA titles with the Los Angeles Lakers, and his daughter Gianna — are depicted together in the clouds.