The NBA World Mourns the Death of Kobe Bryant

Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna were among several people killed in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California, on Sunday, a source confirmed to ESPN. Bryant was 41.

Drafted 13th overall in 1996 out of Lower Merion High School outside of Philadelphia, Bryant was a five-time NBA champion, a two-time NBA Finals MVP and the 2008 NBA MVP. The 18-time All Star retired in 2016 after 20 seasons in the league, all with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Tributes were pouring in from Laker Nation following the tragic loss of the 2020 Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame nominee.

My friend, a legend, husband, father, son, brother, Oscar winner and greatest Laker of all-time is gone. It’s hard to accept. Kobe was a leader of our game, a mentor to both male and female players. pic.twitter.com/NXsrXmCkkG

— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 26, 2020

Most people will remember Kobe as the magnificent athlete who inspired a whole generation of basketball players. But I will always remember him as a man who was much more than an athlete. pic.twitter.com/9EZuwk8wrV

— Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (@kaj33) January 26, 2020

I’m feeling numb – words can’t describe the impact Kobe has had on the world, LA, and the Lakers – not to mention the influence he had in my life as someone I grew up idolizing. I loved him – and send my condolences to all the families who lost someone today. RIP

— Joey Buss (@Jbuss) January 26, 2020

You will be missed brother. My thoughts are with the Bryant family at this difficult time. RIP Kobe. pic.twitter.com/WV58jRJ5FZ

— Jason Kidd (@RealJasonKidd) January 26, 2020

Michael Jordan sends his condolences to the Bryant family. pic.twitter.com/yH1yueMtGZ

— NBA TV (@NBATV) January 26, 2020

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued the following statement today regarding the passing of Kobe Bryant pic.twitter.com/P88GwIwmYV

— NBA (@NBA) January 26, 2020

"Today is one of the saddest days in my lifetime."

Dwyane Wade reflects on the news of Kobe Bryant's death.

(via @DwyaneWade) pic.twitter.com/9EDwERxIyq

— ESPN (@espn) January 27, 2020

Mark Cuban says Kobe Bryant's iconic No. 24 "will never be worn again" by the Mavericks. pic.twitter.com/c4SAWx2EL3

— ESPN (@espn) January 27, 2020

The world joined the NBA in remembering Bryant’s legendary career and impact.

Headlines from around the globe as the world mourns the death of Kobe Bryant. pic.twitter.com/2GmlHWrwQx

— ESPN (@espn) January 27, 2020

Nick Kyrgios honored Kobe Bryant by wearing the No. 8 jersey before his match against Rafael Nadal. pic.twitter.com/zjlQSW5pcQ

— ESPN (@espn) January 27, 2020