The legacy of Kobe Bryant is more than just championship rings. For Los Angeles Lakers owner Jeanie Buss, his memory remains a motivation for personal strength and franchise inspiration. 

During the April 29, 2026, episode of the podcast Pretty Tough with Maria Sharapova, Buss took a moment to speak about Bryant during the interview. 

“He was one of the greatest Lakers ever, but also a friend and somebody that I leaned on when things were tough for me.” Buss shared on the show.

Buss recalled a conversation with Phil Jackson after their personal split. Jackson told her that while he was leaving for the New York Knicks and could not help her with the team anymore, she was not alone. “But you always have Kobe,” Jackson told her. “Kobe will have your back.” 

Buss's 15-year relationship with Phil Jackson from 1999 to 2014 ended in 2016 after the geographic and professional strain of his tenure as New York Knicks President, where he led a 32-132 team.

Adding to that, Buss mentioned how she wants to “use his inspiration to inspire others” moving forward. She praised Bryant for his role in advancing women’s sports.

Her final memories of him were the last time she saw Bryant alive, which was about a month before the tragic 2020 helicopter crash.

He brought his daughter Gianna Bryant to a game to watch her favorite player, Luka Doncic.

Because of that beautiful memory, Buss admitted she has a personal soft spot for Doncic. Bryant’s influence clearly extends beyond his on-court achievements.

The lasting mark Kobe Bryant left on the Lakers

Bryant played his entire 20-season career with the Lakers. At the time of his retirement, this was the longest run a guard ever had with just one team in league history. 

He arrived in the mid-1990s when the group was struggling to find its way after the Magic Johnson era. His hard work resulted in five championship wins for the city.

He led the group to a three-peat from 2000 to 2002 alongside Shaquille O’Neal. Later, he won back-to-back titles in 2009 and 2010 with Pau Gasol by his side. 

Bryant rewrote the team record books during his two decades in purple and gold. He is the all-time franchise leader in points with an amazing 33,643 points scored.

He holds records for minutes played, field goals made, and free throws. Bryant led the team to the playoffs 15 times in his 20 seasons. 

His famous "Mamba Mentality" became the actual identity of the franchise. Legendary coach Gregg Popovich noted that every coach in the world wished they could have had him on their roster. What is your favorite memory of him on the court? 

Read more at Air Jordan Chronicles! 

Written by

Utsav Sinha

Edited by

Utsav Gupta