Dallas Wings star Paige Bueckers earns Kobe Bryant comparison by analyst

National media pundits are beginning to recognize Paige Bueckers' greatness in comparison to NBA stars of the past

Sep 11, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) looks on during the second half against the Phoenix Mercury at College Park Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images / Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Dallas Wings soon-to-be second-year guard Paige Bueckers has idolized NBA legend Kobe Bryant throughout her playing career thus far, doing her best to emulate the ex-Los Angeles Lakers icon's game night in and night out.

Bueckers took to social media to honor Bryant's legacy earlier this season, sending a heartfelt message about how much his influence has made her who she is today.

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A post shared by Paige💕 (@paigebueckers)

The post, which has 80,000 likes, was not just a remembrance of Bryant, but also birthday wishes and a reminder about how much motivation, regardless of sport, truly does matter.

"Happy birthday Kobe," Bueckers posted. "Man, we are a lot a like and you inspire me everyday. I miss you and Gigi, I know you guys would’ve helped a lot though all of this. Continue to watch over all of us, coaching us up, and Gigi, keep balling out in Heaven."

In light of Bueckers being influenced by Bryant, among other factors, this prompted The Sporting News' Stephen Noh to write a long-form feature about whether Bueckers can be the WNBA's version of Bryant.

In simplest terms, the answer is yes.

READ MORE: Dallas Wings stun WNBA with shocking coaching decision before 2026 season

Paige Bueckers' Admiration for Kobe Bryant

The love for Bryant from Bueckers traces back a long time, but when it comes to her college years, as Noh notes, it was her ACL injury that made her reflect upon how Bryant would have responded when facing adversity.

"When this injury first happened, I thought a lot about Kobe," Bueckers told ESPN. "I read The Mamba Mentality book and how he looked at his injury as another way to prove people wrong."

After Bryant passed away in 2020, Bueckers felt the loss as something that could serve as extra motivation as her career progressed.

As a young kid I aspired to be like you. I watched you play with no fear or remorse and it inspired me. You did so much for the women’s game and you truly cared. I play for you Kobe! pic.twitter.com/KGA2buSZzI

— Paige Bueckers (@paigebueckers1) January 26, 2020

"As a young kid I aspired to be like you. I watched you play with no fear or remorse and it inspired me. You did so much for the women’s game and you truly cared. I play for you Kobe," Bueckers wrote at the time.

Whether Bueckers can reach Bryant levels of stardom remains to be seen, but what is clear is she has yet to forget how special Bryant truly was.

""I love Kobe's," Bueckers said via Champside. "I love Kobe." 

Despite Bueckers' Wings falling short of expectations, her accolades were impressive enough for a WNBA Rookie of the Year Award, following in the footsteps of those who came before her.

READ MORE: Paige Bueckers joins icons in WNBA history after winning Rookie of the Year

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