The news which broke early Sunday afternoon sent shock waves across the world.
Kobe Bryant is among those dead in a helicopter crash outside Los Angeles, a source confirms to ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 26, 2020
One of the greatest players in NBA history was just 41 years-old. Bryant’s 13-year-old daughter Gianna was also killed in the crash which happened in a hillside in Calabasas, California after taking off near Bryant’s house in Orange County around 10:00AM PST.
The scene at LA Live #Kobe pic.twitter.com/jWvTKyCXjp
— Jack Harris (@Jack_A_Harris) January 26, 2020
Fans from everywhere paid their respect to “The Black Mamba,” including a number of Phoenix Suns’ players who received the awful news in Memphis as the team prepared for their game against the Grizzles Sunday afternoon.
Rest In Peace, Mamba. Forever legendary. ? pic.twitter.com/Z6lfIm5H7o
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) January 26, 2020
Some current players took to social media to express both their condolences and gratitude towards Bryant.
I can’t believe this ?
— _cd13 (@cheick_diallo13) January 26, 2020
Anybody that knows me.. knows how hard I will forever go for Kobe
— JARED HARPER?™ (@Therealvinoo) January 26, 2020
Bryant, who played 20 years for the Lakers, sits atop the franchise list in points (33,643), games played (1,346), 3-pointers (1,827), steals (1,944) and a number of other categories.