NBA players, coaches and celebrities took to social media to pay tribute to Kobe Bryant after reports surfaced that he died Sunday afternoon.
Bryant, 41, and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna were among those killed when their helicopter slammed into a hillside near Malibu in Los Angeles County.
News of Bryant’s tragic death came as stars were gearing up the Grammys, which were held at the Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles — where Bryant played for the Lakers. The theme for the event quickly turned to “tonight is for Kobe” as many talked about the loss of losing one of greatest basketball players in NBA history.
One name. One icon. One legacy.
Kobe. pic.twitter.com/HOprfGE0xB
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 27, 2020
The 6-foot-6 small forward came to the NBA straight out of high school. In 1996, when he was just 18 years old, Bryant became the youngest player in NBA history.
During his NBA career, Bryant won five titles, as well as two Olympic gold medals playing for the United States. Now fourth on the NBA’s all-time scoring list with 33,643 points, Bryant won two NBA Finals MVP awards and one NBA regular-season MVP in 2008.
With the Lakers, he wore both Nos. 8 and 24, both of which were retired by the franchise. To add to his legacy, Bryant is the only player in NBA history to have multiple jerseys retired by a franchise.
Here’s how players, coaches and celebrities reacted to Bryant and his daughter passing away in the helicopter crash.
There’s no words to express the pain Im going through with this tragedy of loosing my neice Gigi & my brother @kobebryant 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 pic.twitter.com/pigHywq3c1
— SHAQ (@SHAQ) January 26, 2020
Kobe was so much more than an athlete, he was a family man. That was what we had most in common. I would hug his children like they were my own and he would embrace my kids like they were his. His baby girl Gigi was born on the same day as my youngest daughter Me’Arah. pic.twitter.com/BHBPN5Wq8V
— SHAQ (@SHAQ) January 26, 2020
We love you forever. #8 #24??❤️
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 26, 2020
He gave his knowledge, time, and talent to tutor so many at the youth level, collegiate level, & NBA & WNBA players. Words can’t express the impact that he had on the game of basketball. I know basketball fans all over the world will miss him, especially the City of Los Angeles. pic.twitter.com/ZoB3Uwbvzk
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 26, 2020
My heart is broken for Kobe and his family. I’ll never forget the battles but what I really admired was the father he was to his girls. Rest In Peace old friend with your angel Gianna ?
— Steve Nash (@SteveNash) January 26, 2020
PLEASE @NBA RETIRED 24! LEAGUE WIDE!!
— Donovan Mitchell (@spidadmitchell) January 26, 2020
Kobe has to be the new NBA logo…..
— ? Jamal Crawford (@JCrossover) January 27, 2020
— Dirk Nowitzki (@swish41) January 27, 2020
Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban: "Our organization has decided that the number 24 will never again be worn by a Dallas Maverick.”
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 27, 2020
I am at a loss for words..Kobe and Gianna you will never be forgotten. What a blessing to see your impact you have had in this world, Kobe. Prayers for the Bryant family. Rest In Peace, little brother and Gigi.. pic.twitter.com/x6EkJaARDD
— Karl Malone (@TheDeliverer_32) January 26, 2020
I can’t stop crying…cherish every moment. Please. pic.twitter.com/dX8VLXvzse
— Danny Kanell (@dannykanell) January 26, 2020
We miss you already Kobe ❤️❤️????
— Tom Brady (@TomBrady) January 26, 2020
Kobe was a legend on the court and just getting started in what would have been just as meaningful a second act. 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.
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) January 26, 2020
My heart is in pieces hearing the news of this unimaginable tragedy. I can’t fathom what the families are going through. Kobe meant so much to me and to us all. Sending my prayers, love, and endless condolences to Vanessa and the family and anyone who lost someone on that flight.
— Taylor Swift (@taylorswift13) January 26, 2020
He was great,charismatic & among the hardest-working athletes ever,but what impressed me most was how deeply-involved Kobe was with his 4 daughters. Pray for them, Vanessa, his parents & his fellow passengers' families on this sad and shocking day. We will never forget you Kobe
— Jimmy Kimmel (@jimmykimmel) January 26, 2020
Every game winner of Kobe’s career?? pic.twitter.com/37mwSg8L0l
— NBA Syndicate (@NBAsyndicate) January 26, 2020
During a timeout, from within the Lakers huddle I heard “Brady, can you please get me a powerade?” It was @kobebryant This made a big impression on me as he took the time to call me by name. From that point on I've always tried to go out of my way to call people by their name pic.twitter.com/6uEnfRJYsG
— Brady Haider (@HaidaBegga) January 26, 2020
In shock right now. RIP Kobe ?
— Mariah Carey (@MariahCarey) January 26, 2020
Tell the ppl close to you that you love them life isn't fair pic.twitter.com/6cp4XCypJs
— Michael Schutte (@MikeSchutte) January 26, 2020
Kobe, We love you brother
We’re praying for your family and appreciate the life you’ve lived and all the inspiration you gave pic.twitter.com/pxbgLOOmpY
— ye (@kanyewest) January 26, 2020
