ATLANTA (AP) Trae Young had to compose himself a couple of times when asked about the death of Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna.

It wasn't easy for Young, who was mentored by Bryant and had a special relationship with the former NBA star's 13-year-old girl, nicknamed Gigi.

"One of the last conversations we had, he was just telling me how much he's seen my game progress and he's just been happy for me," Young said between pauses. "He said how proud he was of me and how he wants me to continue to be a role model for kids growing up and for Gigi and all the kids looking up to me to inspire these kids and continue to play my heart out."