The sports world is reacting to the sudden and tragic death of Lakers legend Kobe Bryant

AP Photo/Jae C. Hong

• NBA legend Kobe Bryant died in a helicopter crash on Sunday morning in Calabasas, California.

• He was 41 years old.

• The biggest names in sports began to publicly express their disbelief and remorse at the untimely and tragic death of "The Black Mamba."

• Many also expressed gratitude for Bryant's influence on the game and reflected on his enduring legacy.

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Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant died Sunday morning in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California.

The 41-year-old was one of the greatest basketball players to ever play in the NBA. Bryant's untimely passing sparked reactions from some of the biggest names in sports on social media.

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, the gatekeeper of all things NBA knowledge, confirmed TMZ's initial report of Bryant's death:

Soon after, the biggest names in sports tweeted to express their disbelief and remorse.

Many expressed gratitude for Kobe's influence on the game and reflected on his enduring legacy.

• Read more:

• Kobe Bryant says there are WNBA stars who 'could most certainly keep up' in the NBA

• Kobe Bryant, 41, dies in helicopter crash in Calabasas, California

• Giannis Antetokounmpo says the Zion Williamson has put the NBA on notice: 'The whole league knows you're going to be a beast'

• Kobe Bryant was ranked below Shaquille O'Neal, Tim Duncan, and Magic Johnson in a list of the top 50 NBA players of all time

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