Celebrities React to Kobe Bryant's Tragic Death
Kobe Bryant was reportedly among a small group of people killed in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California, on Sunday morning. The basketball player—widely considered one of the best of all time—spent an amazing 20 years with the Los Angeles Lakers where he won five NBA championships, and was named Finals MVP twice. Bryant was also an Oscar winner and an Olympic gold medalist, and he inspired legions of kids with his deft and skilled playing style.
Bryant's sudden death at the age of 41 has sent shockwaves throughout the world, and his fans and friends are mourning his death with poignant and moving tributes online. Here's how celebrities from all industries are remembering the basketball legend.
Bryant's longtime Lakers teammate Shaquille O'Neal said that there were no words to express his pain.
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
Basketball player Dwyane Wade's tweet was heartbreaking.
Nooooooooooo God please No!
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) January 26, 2020
Basketball player Tyler Herro called for all teams to retire Bryant's jersey number.
Every team has to retire 24
— Tyler Herro (@raf_tyler) January 26, 2020
Football player Tom Brady wrote that he misses the legend already.
We miss you already Kobe ❤️❤️🙏🏼🙏🏼
— Tom Brady (@TomBrady) January 26, 2020
Commentator Scott Van Pelt talked about Bryant's love for his daughters.
In NYC, at our upfronts, Kobe was backstage and all he wanted to talk about was coaching his daughter’s team. Such pure joy. I keep thinking of that video of he and his daughter at the Lakers game. Those girls....his family. My goodness, man.
— Scott Van Pelt (@notthefakeSVP) January 26, 2020
Eric Garcetti, the mayor of Los Angeles, posted a moving series of tweets about Bryant's legacy.
Kobe Bryant was a giant who inspired, amazed, and thrilled people everywhere with his incomparable skill on the court — and awed us with his intellect and humility as a father, husband, creative genius, and ambassador for the game he loved. pic.twitter.com/hkb0lbRwie
— Mayor Eric Garcetti (@MayorOfLA) January 26, 2020
Basketball player Joel Embiid said that he started playing basketball after seeing Kobe in the 2010 finals.
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
American professional wrestler and mixed martial artist Scorpio Sky lamented the death of his hero.
I’ve never been more deeply cut by the death of a non family member or close friend. My freakin hero is gone. Can’t process this. #Kobe 💔
— Scorpio Sky (@ScorpioSky) January 26, 2020
Sports journalist Holly Rowe wrote about how Bryant was a fierce supporter of women's sports.
Devastated. @kobebryant was always so great with me. His support of women’s sports & those of us that cover them was unwavering. The last thing he said to me was, “If you ever need anything, I got you.” So grateful for his gracious spirit. Heart is breaking for his family pic.twitter.com/py2AEeH2z7
— Holly Rowe (@sportsiren) January 26, 2020
TV personality Ross Mathews remembered Bryant's incredible motivation.
I had dinner with Kobe once. He was known as an athlete, but his mind is what blew me away most of all. Such an incredibly motivated, smart person. There are no words. Love to my friend Vanessa and his entire family. I can’t believe it.
— Ross Mathews (@helloross) January 26, 2020
Former NFL player Keyshawn Johnson shared that he and Bryant filmed their first ESPN commercial together.
I’m at a loss for words. @kobebryant was a long-time friend, an inspiration and we shared our first ever commercial @espn together as professionals. I love you forever #RIPMAMBA pic.twitter.com/QpLG37cpdg
— Keyshawn Johnson (@keyshawn) January 26, 2020
Soccer player Newmar gave a tribute to Bryant after he scored a goal.
🇧🇷 Neymar scored for PSG tonight and dedicated his goal to Kobe Bryant by raising the #24.
Iconic moment. I still can't believe it man. RIP. 🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/x1ojkyJeVV— FutbolBible (@FutbolBible) January 26, 2020
Football player Drew Brees called Bryant "one of the greatest competitors of any generation."
"He inspired so many people,"
Drew Brees on Kobe Bryant pic.twitter.com/OYnKAAyS0S— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) January 26, 2020
Rapper Lil Wayne remembered Bryant as a king.
We lost a King. 824
— Lil Wayne WEEZY F (@LilTunechi) January 26, 2020
Musician and actor John Legend talked about being in The Staples Center, where he's currently preparing for the Grammys.
I'm so sad and stunned right now. In Staples Arena, where Kobe created so many memories for all of us, preparing to pay tribute to another brilliant man we lost too soon, Nipsey Hussle. Life can be so brutal and senseless sometimes. Hold on to your loved ones. We miss you, Kobe
— John Legend (@johnlegend) January 26, 2020
Former Nuggets coach and longtime Lakers assistant Brian Shaw shared his thoughts in a moving video.
Former #Nuggets coach and longtime #Lakers assistant Brian Shaw talking about the death of friend Kobe Bryant #Denver7 pic.twitter.com/87jyisJY8K
— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) January 26, 2020
Syracuse Men's Basketball Coach Jim Boeheim said he was fortunate to have known the late basketball player.
Kobe Bryant was not only one of the greatest basketball players ever, he was also the hardest working player I’ve ever been around. I was so fortunate to have known him and coached him with Team USA. Our thoughts and our prayers are with his wife, Vanessa, and the Bryant family.
— Jim Boeheim (@therealboeheim) January 26, 2020
Late night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel wrote about how dedicated Bryant was to his family.
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
Former basketball player Scottie Pippen Tweeted that he was stunned by the news.
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
Actress Mindy Kaling said Bryant was "the greatest."
#KobeBryant you were the greatest. You made our city and the rest of the world so proud. Every basketball fan knew the magnificence of the Mamba. Love and healing to Vanessa and those little girls. God, this is just the worst ever.
— Mindy Kaling (@mindykaling) January 26, 2020
Rapper Drake posted a photo of his Bryant retirement jacket.
A post shared by champagnepapi (@champagnepapi) on Jan 26, 2020 at 12:02pm PST
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