- Frank Vogel gives optimistic update on Anthony Davis: ‘We’re still on track for the 4-week plan’
- LeBron James selling $20.5M Los Angeles mansion (full gallery inside)
- Report: Executive says teams could line up offer sheets for Talen Horton-Tucker ‘thinking they could pry him away’
- Report: Lakers could have issue retaining Alex Caruso this offseason due to his perceived market value
- Kyle Kuzma campaigns for LeBron James to make All-Defensive team
- Report: Lakers showing interest in Andre Drummond through buyout market
- Stephen Curry seems to throw shade at LeBron James, Lakers and Cavs after Warriors get pummeled
- Video: Dennis Schroder gets in Stephen Curry’s face after taking vicious elbow
- Colby Covington rips apart ‘Chinese finger puppet’ LeBron James for calling out Zlatan Ibrahimovic
- LeBron James’ game-worn shoes that were gifted directly from Kobe Bryant sell for $156K
Sabrina Ionescu Shows Kobe Bryant Major Love After Going No. 1 in WNBA Draft
- Updated: April 18, 2020

Triple-double maestro Sabrina Ionescu acquired a ton of attention on Friday after being selected by the New York Liberty with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 WNBA draft.
However, following the major celebratory moment, Ionescu showed Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant some love on Instagram.
Sabrina reflects on her friendship with Kobe after going #1 💜💛
(📸 via @sabrina_i20 / IG) pic.twitter.com/UY2poiuvG3
— Def Pen Hoops (@DefPenHoops) April 18, 2020
Bryant, who passed away in January, was one of the Ionescu’s mentors.
The pair shared a special relationship. As a matter of fact, the 22-year-old delivered a powerful speech at Bryant’s memorial at Staples Center in February.
The University of Oregon product put together a tremendous collegiate resume. She is the NCAA’s all-time leader in triple-doubles and became the first player in Division I history to put up 2,000 points, 1,000 rebounds and 1,000 boards.
Furthermore, the 5-foot-11 point guard is a two-time winner of the John R. Wooden Award and Wade Trophy. Ionescu was named the Naismith Player of the Year in 2020.
While her WNBA career hasn’t even started, there is a strong sense Ionescu will go down as one of the best female basketball players to play the game.
Much like her mentor Bryant, the youngster has a phenomenal will to win and dominate opponents. There’s no doubt the five-time champion had heavy influence on Ionescu.