Nothing has shaken the basketball world as much as the untimely death of five-time NBA champion Kobe Bryant, and five-time WNBA All-Star Napheesa Collier recently unveiled the final conversation she had with The Black Mamba before his passing. A post on X by The Score saw Collier reminisce about the guidance and direction the Los Angeles Lakers legend gave her. 

“I asked him about how I did in the game, what he thought. He gave me his thoughts, like what he thought I could do better… he was always like that, just really willing to help to make people better and to promote the women’s game.” 

Kobe, who had already played two decades in the NBA before Collier was even drafted in the WNBA, was always upfront about his support for younger players, especially women. Collier’s last conversation with him was no different, per the video posted to X via The Score.  

Kobe championed the WNBA and female players until his death in January 2020. Reports suggest that he had mentored WNBA legends such as Diana Taurasi, Sabrina Ionescu, and Jewell Loyd. Phoenix Mercury legend Taurasi even derived her nickname, ‘White Mamba’, from Kobe’s iconic moniker.

Collier has also trained at what was formerly the Mamba Sports Academy, as per an ESPN YouTube video from 2020. She is currently part of the Lynx, who are at the top of the WNBA table, with an overwhelming record of 22-6. Though she has only played one game so far in the 2026 season, she scored 24 points and 10 rebounds, proving that Kobe’s guidance provides an edge.

A CNN exclusive report from 2020 reported that Kobe Bryant had spoken to the outlet about his confidence in players in the W. 

“I think there are a couple of players who could play in the NBA right now, honestly. There’s a lot of players with a lot of skill that could do it. Diana Taurasi, Maya Moore, Elena Della Donne. There’s a lot of great players out there so they could certainly keep up with them.”

Kobe’s passion for women’s basketball was not limited to the W, but also due to his daughter’s love for the game. Gianna, who tragically passed away along with the 18-time NBA All-Star, had been spotted courtside at Lakers games several times. She had dreamt of playing at UConn and eventually, the WNBA. Gianna was posthumously granted an honorary pick in the 2020 WNBA draft. Reports suggest that she was great on the court as well, inheriting the Mamba Mentality from her father. Kobe spurred that passion on, as he did for all female basketball players. 

Kobe’s legacy lives through the players he mentored and the WNBA’s continued growth. The W has also not forgotten about Kobe.

WNBA players and coaches recall Kobe Bryant’s contributions to the league

Kobe Bryant’s support of the WNBA cannot be understated, and the people he supported refuse to give up his memory. From players like Taurasi and Collier to WNBA coaches, everyone still holds the memory of the Mamba dear. 

Taurasi, per a 2020 report by The Athletic, spoke about the impact Kobe had on the sport.

“He meant so much to a city, that fighting spirit that he had. He found comfort in that unapologetic way of playing basketball.” 

Even New York Liberty forward Satou Sabally spoke about Kobe’s influence, which the WNBA cherishes still, per a January 2025 CBC report. 

“We carry this on for him. He would be so proud of this league…I know that he’s looking down and hopefully he’s smiling and is proud of us.”

The impact Kobe had was not limited only to players. Even WNBA coaches knew that he pushed for the legitimacy of the league. 

“I think a lot of people started to follow behind Kobe because he recognized our gift and our talent and how special it really is,” said former Chicago Sky head coach Teresa Weatherspoon. “And his daughter was right there as well.” 

Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna, tragically passed away on January 26, 2020, in a helicopter crash on their way to the Mamba Sports Academy in Thousand Oaks. But his legacy lives through the players he mentored, including Napheesa Collier.