Elite High School Stars Thank Kobe Bryant on Anniversary of his Death Posted Jan 27, 2021 A year after the deaths of NBA icon Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna, the sting continues to linger around the world. The focus on social media was all about honoring the late Lakers star. Sports Illustrated caught up with a handful of elite high school players in the video above who simply wanted to thank the Black Mamba for his impact. (Sports Illustrated)