On Sunday, the entire basketball world was in shock following the tragic passing of Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant.
Across the NBA, players could be seen breaking down in tears throughout the day’s slew of games.
One such player was All-Star point guard Trae Young. Following his game on Sunday, Young revealed the final words Bryant ever said to him.
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Young recorded 45 points, 14 assists and six rebounds in the Atlanta Hawks’ 152-133 win over the Washington Wizards.
Young and Bryant had a strong relationship with each other. On top of that, Bryant’s daughter Gianna, who also died in Sunday’s helicopter crash, told Young that he was her favorite NBA player to watch.
…This S*** can’t be real… this the first moment I was able to meet Gianna Maria, she’s been to only 3 games this year… 2 of them were mine… She told me I was her favorite player to watch🙏🏽 I can’t believe this😢😭
Rest Easy Gigi❤️ pic.twitter.com/IfDrE9Gjlv
— Trae Young (@TheTraeYoung) January 26, 2020
The tragedy of Sunday’s events will likely be felt for the remainder of the 2019-20 NBA season and beyond.
Luckily, there will be players like Young to carry on Bryant’s memory and spirit for years to come.
