Kobe Bryant i njegova kćerka bili su među pet osoba ubijenih u nesreći helikoptera u Calabasasu u Kaliforniji.
Bryant je imao 41 godinu, dok je njegova kćerka Gianna imala tek trinaest godina.
Draftovan kao 13. pik davne 1996. godine iz srednje škole High Merion, Bryant je bio petostruki NBA prvak, dvostruki MVP NBA finala i 2008. godine MVP lige. Povukao se 2016. godine nakon 20 sezona u ligi, a sve je proveo u Los Angeles Lakersima.
Svijet košarke na društvenim medijima izražava saučešće.
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
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
…This S*** can’t be real… this the first moment I was able to meet Gianna Maria, she’s been to only 3 games this year… 2 of them were mine… She told me I was her favorite player to watch🙏🏽 I can’t believe this😢😭
Rest Easy Gigi❤️ pic.twitter.com/IfDrE9Gjlv
— Trae Young (@TheTraeYoung) January 26, 2020
Man I don’t even know where to start😭😭 I started playing ball because of KOBE after watching the 2010 finals. I had never watched ball before that and that finals was the turning point of my life. I WANTED TO BE LIKE KOBE. I’m so FREAKING SAD right now!!!!
RIP LEGEND
— Joel Embiid (@JoelEmbiid) January 26, 2020
I’m heartbroken by this news, you were a true legend, and friend. Rest In Peace @kobebryant, my thoughts and prayers to his wife and kids. #legend #mamba #goat pic.twitter.com/1VKYdbrVEk
— Tony Parker (@tonyparker) January 26, 2020
I’m stunned. Words can’t even come close to describing it. Just an incredibly sad and tragic day.
— Scottie Pippen (@ScottiePippen) January 26, 2020
The Clippers mourn Kobe Bryant, an icon in this city and this sport, who inspired teammates and opponents with his drive and determination. Kobe left an indelible mark on the world. His family, friends, fans and the Laker organization are in our prayers. We will miss him.
— Steve Ballmer (@Steven_Ballmer) January 26, 2020
A moment I will never forget. This was my first NBA game. 🙏🏼😢 https://t.co/bZepaPVJMt
— Meyers Leonard (@MeyersLeonard) January 26, 2020
Peace and power to the Bryant family, and basketball lovers around the world. R.I.P @kobebryant 😢 #MambaMentality pic.twitter.com/yn3Bgo0VAu
— Goran Dragić (@Goran_Dragic) January 26, 2020
R.I.P Legend 😔
Prayers up 🙏 💔 pic.twitter.com/oUAgvA1DXp
— Enes Kanter (@EnesKanter) January 26, 2020
So sick rn… you inspired me to work as hard as I do. I use to watch you before all my highschool and college games man this one hurt me fr 😓😓 Love you Bean R.I.P. #8/24forever pic.twitter.com/niaKOWt3d7
— Miles Bridges (@MilesBridges) January 26, 2020
THE DAY I EARNED YOUR RESPECT WAS A DAY ILL NEVER FORGET.! REST PEACEFULLY GOAT.! 😔😔🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/cKnTCNo23s
— JAE CROWDER (@CJC9BOSS) January 26, 2020