Memories are like Pringles—once you pop, you can’t stop. That’s exactly how WNBA stars Candace Parker and Brittney Griner feel about Kobe Bryant, whose influence on the league still hits differently. Like a real-life “Coach Carter” for women’s basketball, Kobe’s passion for the game extended far beyond the NBA, championing the rise of female athletes with the same relentless energy he brought to the court.

On the anniversary of Kobe Bryant’s tragic passing on January 26, 2020, Brittney Griner and Candace Parker took to Instagram to honor his legacy. Both WNBA stars shared heartfelt stories, reflecting on Kobe’s enduring influence on their lives and the game they love. Griner posted a touching photo of her and Kobe, while Parker shared a moment of gratitude “My boys will know all about #mambamentality” on her Insta story with her kids.

With 18 All-Star selections, five NBA championship rings, two Finals MVP awards, and two Olympic gold medals, his basketball resume was stacked with records. But what made Kobe truly unforgettable was what he brought to life outside the court. He wasn’t just a basketball legend—he was an author, a philanthropist, a co-founder of a venture capital firm, the creative force behind his own media studio, and, above all, a proud girl dad to his four daughters.

The whole mentality was something Kobe lived and breathed, and he gave it a name: the “Mamba Mentality.” It wasn’t just a catchphrase; it was his way of life. Understanding it doesn’t just give you insight into what made Kobe unstoppable—it’s a mindset we can all carry into our own lives.

The photo Griner shared was from such an eventful day when Kobe came to meet Diana and Britteny grabbed the opportunity to cherish the moment too. Also, Candace Parker, who also paid tribute to Kobe’s statue unveiling, has reflected on how Kobe’s philosophy shaped the WNBA. She spoke about Kobe’s role in lifting up the league, noting his deep commitment to teaching and learning the game, something that has influenced the careers of countless players like Griner.

Five years have passed since Kobe Bryant’s tragic loss, yet his impact on women’s sports still feels as powerful as ever. Inspired by his daughter Gianna’s passion for the game, Kobe became a relentless advocate for women’s basketball, pouring his heart into supporting and uplifting female athletes. He wasn’t just the Black Mamba on the court; off it, he was a coach, a mentor, and a proud father determined to shine a spotlight on the women’s game.

As Matt Leinart once shared, “The special thing about Kobe was what he was doing in women’s basketball and, in particular, with his daughter Gianna. Just really being a voice for women’s basketball.” Whether it was coaching Gianna’s team, showing up courtside to WNBA games, or openly praising players like Sabrina Ionescu and Diana Taurasi, Kobe’s efforts were genuine and intentional.

Even now, his influence resonates in the gratitude of WNBA players who felt his support firsthand. It’s heartbreaking to think his journey in advocating for women’s sports was just beginning, but the seeds he planted alongside Gianna continue to grow. Kobe’s legacy isn’t just about the championships he won; it’s about the doors he helped open for the next generation of female athletes.

Griner channels a mamba mentality

Recently, Brittney Griner performed for Phantom, guiding her team to a 74-69 win over Mist on Friday evening. In spite of fighting through an injury, Griner‘s grit and determination were on full display, reminiscent of the type of commitment and mental toughness that Kobe Bryant exemplified throughout his playing career. 

With 29 points and nine rebounds, Griner played through considerable pain, even being sent to the bench twice, but demonstrated the same unrelenting drive Kobe always had. Her capacity to persevere and play out the game was a textbook example of the “Mamba Mentality” Kobe instilled in so many players, including those in the WNBA.

Griner‘s style was made all the more impressive by the fact that she is currently exploring new territory in her career—testing WNBA free agency for the first time. Having spent her entire basketball career with the Phoenix Mercury since being drafted first overall in 2013, Griner is now displaying her skills in the Unrivaled League, a platform where teams can scout top free agents entering the 2025 season. “I want to show off my skills for free agency,” Griner said, a testament to her confidence and development as an athlete. Her desire to get better and test her limits is something Kobe always promoted, and it’s obvious Griner is continuing that spirit.