Vladimir Guerrero Jr. remembers the loss of Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna

Toronto Blue Jays cornerstone Vladimir Guerrero Jr. paid tribute to the late Kobe Bryant, one of basketball's greatest players. On the fifth anniversary of the NBA legend's death, Guerrero shared a photo of Kobe and his late daughter Gianna on his Instagram story.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. remembers Kobe Bryant and daughter Gianna (vladdyjr27/nstagram)

Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna were a part of a tragic helicopter crash in Calabasas, California, on Jan. 26, 2020. Bryant, his daughter, baseball coach John Altobelli, Keri Altobelli, Alyssa Altobelli, Sarah Chester, Payton Chester, Christina Mauser and pilot Ara Zobayan all perished during the accident.

The helicopter had taken off from John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana, California, and was was to heading to the Camarillo Airport in the eponymous city. The accident was largely due to hazy conditions around the area that prompted Zobayan to lose his orientation and subsequently control of the aircraft.

At the time of the incident, Kobe and Gianna were scheduled to arrive at the Mamba Sports Academy in Newbury Park that's owned by the Lakers legend as his daughter had a game scheduled later in the day. Bryant was 41 at the time of his death, while his daughter Gianna was 13.

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Toronto Blue Jays' bid to keep Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

In a desperate attempt to re-sign their star Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to a long-term deal, the Toronto Blue Jays have aggresively gone after a couple of All-Star signings this offseason, like star slugger Pete Alonso.

"I'm hearing they're at the 10-yard line. I know from experience those last 10 yards can have a lot of obstacles," said Andy Martino via SNY.

MLB insider Andy Martino reported that the Blue Jays and Pete Alonso have had advanced contract negotiations. It's the most recent development in Alonso's offseason saga, having reportedly rejected a three-year, $70 million offer from the New York Mets.

With Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s contract expiring at the end of the season, it seems the Blue Jays are going all-in for a chance to make a deep postseason run in case Guerrero explores other options.

The Blue Jays have acquired three-time Gold Glover Andres Gimenez from Cleveland and signed All-Star Anthony Santander as protection in the line-up. If Toronto is successful in signing Alonso, he would form a formidable infield crew alongside Guerrero, Gimenez and All-Star Bo Bichette.