News of the tragic death of Lakers legend Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna in a helicopter crash near Los Angeles Sunday morning rocked the NBA community.
“The NBA family is devastated by the tragic passing of Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver wrote in a statement. “For 20 seasons, Kobe showed us what is possible when remarkable talent blends with an absolute devotion to winning. He was one of the most extraordinary players in the history of our game with accomplishments that are legendary.
“But he will be remembered most for inspiring people around the world to pick up a basketball and compete to the very best of their ability. He was generous with the wisdom he acquired and saw it as his mission to share it with future generations of players, taking special delight in passing down his love of the game to Gianna.
“We send our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Vanessa, and their family, the Lakers organization and the entire sports world.”
As fans began gathering outside the Staples Center in Los Angeles to mourn the loss of the 41-year-old basketball superstar, many of his former teammates took to social media to share their thoughts on the stunning news.
“There’s no words to express the pain Im going through with this tragedy of loosing my neice Gigi & my brother @kobebryant,” Shaquille O’Neal wrote on Twitter, sharing photos of he and Bryant during their playing days. O’Neal called Bryant a “family man,” saying it’s what the two had in common. Gianna and O’Neal’s youngest daughter Me’Arah were born on the same day. “I love u and u will be missed. My condolences goes out to the Bryant family and the families of the other passengers on board. IM SICK RIGHT NOW.”
“Beyond devastated… my big brother… I can’t, I just can’t believe it,” Pau Gasol wrote.
Fellow Lakers legend Magic Johnson wrote on Twitter that he and his wife Cookie were “heartbroken” over the news.
“As I try to write this post, my mind is racing. I’m in disbelief and have been crying all morning over this devastating news that Kobe and his young daughter, Gigi have passed away in a helicopter crash,” Johnson said.
Michael Jordan said Bryant was “like a little brother to me.”
“We used to talk often, and I will miss those conversations very much,” the Bulls great said in a statement.
LeBron James, who on Saturday passed Bryant for No. 3 on the NBA’s All-Time scoring list, was seen leaving the Lakers’ team plane wiping away tears and being consoled by others.
The outpouring of condolences crossed over to all segments of society.
Former president Barack Obama called Sunday an “unthinkable day.”
“Kobe was a legend on the court and just getting started in what would have been just as meaningful a second act,” Obama wrote on Twitter. “To lose Gianna is even more heartbreaking to us as parents. Michelle and I send love and prayers to Vanessa and the entire Bryant family on an unthinkable day.”
Games around the league played on, starting with moments of silence and tributes to the player known as the Black Mamba. But there was an apparent and obvious feel of sorrow all around.
At the opening tipoff of the Raptors-Spurs game in San Antonio, both sides took a shot clock violation and allowed the 24 seconds of both side’s first possessions to tick down. Bryant wore No. 24 during part of his 20 years with the Lakers. Scenes like this played out across the league, including at The Garden.
Clippers owner Steven Ballmer shared his condolences: “The Clippers mourn the sudden and devastating loss of Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna. Kobe, an icon and an institution in this city and this sport, inspired teammates and opponents alike with his commitment, determination and drive.
“Kobe was a singular figure who left an indelible mark on the community and the world. His family, friends, fans and the Lakers organization are in our thoughts and prayers. We will miss him.”
The NBA’s players’ union also released a statement on the death of Bryant.
“We are stunned and devastated by the news of the sudden passing of Kobe Bryant,” the NBPA said . “Words cannot express his impact on our Players, the NBA and the game of basketball. This is a monumental loss for the entire basketball community and our hearts are quite simply broken. We send love and prayers out to his wife Vanessa and the entire family.”
The loss of Bryant has turned the sports world on its axis and his impact on it can be shown in the sheer number of people who have reached out beyond the realm of basketball.
The Giants shared their thoughts on Twitter, as well: “The New York Giants join the rest of our world of sport in mourning the loss of Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna, and all of the lives lost today. Our thoughts are with their family and friends.”
The U.S. women’s national soccer team also paid their respects.
“Kobe always showed up for us. He was there before 2015. He continued to be there after 2019,” the team shared on Twitter, along with a video of Bryant at a USWNT game. “We’ll miss you and we’ll miss Gigi. Rest In Peace, friend. We’ll carry that Mamba Mentality forever.”
