It's crazy to think that it's already been six years since Kobe Bryant's sudden and tragic death. Even all these years later, Kobe's example still influences both Utah Jazz players and personnel alike to this day. Among the current NBA players who played around the same time as Bryant is Kevin Love.
Bryant tragically passed away six years ago today, shocking the entire world. While talking with Landon Buford, Love gushed about both the player and the man Bryant was.
Kevin Love on what stuck out the most about @kobebryant:
— Landon Buford (@LandonBuford) January 26, 2026
“Who he was around his family, his daughters, and the legacy that he left.”
- https://t.co/IX2oQVsEfA#LakeShow #Takenote #NBA pic.twitter.com/zFXWWzyJXE
Bryant influenced so many NBA players today, not just because of how good he was. Bryant's drive to be the best always stood out among players. He came into the NBA as a high school prospect, but it was not a guarantee he would turn out as special as he was from the jump as a late lottery pick.
Love got to see firsthand about the kind of person and player Bryant was when they played together on Team USA in 2012. They never teamed up with each other, and Love entered the NBA 12 years after Bryant did, but the eight years they were in the league together, it's clear the basketball legend left an impression on him.
Kevin Love & Kobe Bryant were almost NBA teammates
Remember when there was strong speculation that the Lakers wanted Love if the Jazz had bought him out? Well, it would have made sense because he's been on their radar before. Back when Love was in the middle of his fallout with Minnesota, the Lakers tried to trade for him in 2014, then tried to sign him as a free agent in 2015.
It seems like forever ago because, well, it was over a decade ago, but the Lakers were trying to build a winner with Bryant even as he was right in the twilight of his career. The Lakers were not exactly in the best spot, and even Love in his prime wasn't going to fix that, but it speaks to Bryant's legacy that they thought they had a chance to build a contender with him and Love at the top of his game.
It's funny because over a decade later, Love is in the same position Bryant was once in. His best days are gone, but he's making the most out of it. It might not be in the same way Bryant was, as he was still trying to play like an All-Star, but Love wants to make his impact.
He might not leave the same legacy as Bryant, but Love clearly wants to have a similar influence Bryant did with the generation that came after him.