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.
MORE: Remembering Kobe Bryant -- relentless, curious and infinitely complicated
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
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
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
Speechless on this plane ride home! A sad day bruh! RIP Kobe Bean Bryant! Prayers go to his family and loved ones 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 This doesn't even feel real man..
— Jared Dudley (@JaredDudley619) January 26, 2020
Struggling to process what is now a reality. Kobe's life after basketball was just beginning and his second act was going to be even greater. His legacy, Gigi's legacy both will live on forever!
— Derek Fisher (@derekfisher) January 26, 2020
Players, coaches and executives across basketball -- many of whom shared the court with Bryant during his career -- shared their condolences on social media.
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."
— ESPN (@espn) January 27, 2020
Dwyane Wade reflects on the news of Kobe Bryant's death.
(via @DwyaneWade) pic.twitter.com/9EDwERxIyq
Doc Rivers remembers Kobe Bryant. pic.twitter.com/q6LcIA4ghT
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) January 26, 2020
Jeannine & I are absolutely shocked to hear of the loss of one of my favorite people & one of the best basketball minds in the history of the game! Our hearts & prayers to Vanessa & his girls. @kobebryant you were my biggest fan, but I was yours #RIPMAMBA @NBA @espn @SLAMonline pic.twitter.com/Ll0BD6VWgr
— TheBillRussell (@RealBillRussell) January 26, 2020
— Dirk Nowitzki (@swish41) January 27, 2020
"It's just a really sad time for the basketball community & the world outside of that to have to mourn his loss. ...It's devastating." - @CJMcCollum pic.twitter.com/nhu1IS6gGW
— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) January 27, 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😢😭
— Trae Young (@TheTraeYoung) January 26, 2020
Rest Easy Gigi❤️ pic.twitter.com/IfDrE9Gjlv
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!!!!
— Joel Embiid (@JoelEmbiid) January 26, 2020
RIP LEGEND
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
Hug someone you love today.
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 26, 2020
Well said, @RealJayWilliams. pic.twitter.com/m9WnfP3sWn
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
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
At a loss for words, RIP to a legend. Can't believe this. #Kobe
— Breanna Stewart (@breannastewart) January 26, 2020
"This season's for him." @sabrina_i20 on the loss of her friend Kobe Bryant: pic.twitter.com/L7S1fyDpEJ
— ESPN (@espn) January 26, 2020
Words are tough to find right now. Truly heart broken and praying for each family involved. It was an honor to compete against you. pic.twitter.com/aYF5UNlZzy
— Mike Conley (@MCONLEY10) 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
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
Ice Cube says that after he heard the news, he hit up Kobe to see if he would text him back 💔 pic.twitter.com/sQBMyckpcy
— 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
Fans at the Pro Bowl broke out in "Kobe" chants when he was honored during a timeout. pic.twitter.com/VAQHYzQ28m
— ESPN (@espn) January 26, 2020
Tiger Woods reflects on the tragic passing of NBA legend Kobe Bryant. pic.twitter.com/t4F2Sqj57Z
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) January 26, 2020
"We're literally standing here, heartbroken, in the house that Kobe Bryant built."
— ESPN (@espn) January 27, 2020
-Alicia Keys at the Grammys, which is being held at Staples Center
(via @MTVNEWS) pic.twitter.com/HeNomDi6bX
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
Lights for a legend.
— Mayor Eric Garcetti (@MayorOfLA) January 27, 2020
Los Angeles City Hall lit in purple and gold starting at 8:24 p.m. this evening in honor of Kobe Bryant's storied championship career and in memory of Bryant, his daughter, Gianna, and all who perished in today's tragedy. pic.twitter.com/1una7Aj98Z
Neymar dedicated his 2nd goal to the late Kobe Bryant 🙏 pic.twitter.com/F5ES0prtdP
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) January 26, 2020
Still can't believe @kobebryant 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿 pic.twitter.com/swscrtnFAx
— Usain St. Leo Bolt (@usainbolt) January 26, 2020
Dear @NBA, I think it's time we change your logo. #MambaForever pic.twitter.com/FRrYprO8w4
— Zach Ertz (@ZERTZ_86) January 27, 2020
Man not Kobe... Prayers to his family and friends! #RIPMamba
— Patrick Mahomes II (@PatrickMahomes) January 26, 2020
We miss you already Kobe ❤️❤️🙏🏼🙏🏼
— Tom Brady (@TomBrady) January 26, 2020
Terribly sad 😭
— Francis Ngannou (@francis_ngannou) January 26, 2020
RIP to a legend who meant so much to so many. You will be remembered forever as the champion you are.🙏 pic.twitter.com/xRVuSf157X
Janet and I have no words to describe our shock and sadness on the tragic passing of Kobe Bryant today. Praying for him and his family. 🙏
— Wayne Gretzky (@WayneGretzky) January 26, 2020
"He was a legend in the basketball world and the whole world. It's tough." -Alex Ovechkin on Kobe Bryant, who once presented the #Caps' captain with a game-worn jersey and sneakers after a game in L.A. pic.twitter.com/RQPZFFURem
— Tarik El-Bashir (@Tarik_ElBashir) January 26, 2020
