NBA legend Kobe Bryant tragically passed away on January 26th, 2020 in a helicopter crash at Calabasas, Calif. Bryant’s 13-year-old daughter Gianna Bryant also passed away in the same crash with nine other victims.
Former teammates, celebrities, and NBA stars who were friends and fans of the NBA Great paid their tributes on social media in honour of Kobe Bryant.
SHAQ
Basketball player Shaq with whom Kobe won three consecutive championships, wrote, “There’s no words to express the pain I’m going through now with this tragic and sad moment of loosing my friend, my brother, my partner in winning championships, my dude and my homie. I love you brother and you will be missed. My condolences goes out to the Bryant family and the families of the other passengers on board. IM SICK RIGHT NOW !”
BARACK OBAMA
“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.”
MICHAEL JORDAN
“He was a fierce competitor, one of the greats of the game and a creative force. Kobe was also an amazing dad who loved his family deeply — and took great pride in his daughter’s love for the game of basketball.”
LAMAR ODOM
Former teammate Lamar Odom said, “Of course anyone who knows my story knows I’ve suffered a lot of loss but the only loss I can compare this to is when I lost my son. When I went through that Coma situation if God would have came to me and said we would take me and spare Kobe I would have rather that happened.”
DWAYNE WADE
In a emotional video Wade teared up and said, “Today is one of the saddest days in my lifetime. It seems like a bad dream you just want to wake up from. It’s a nightmare. I know we all feel the same way about such a great leader, such a great person, such a great champion. If you got a chance to know Kobe — to really know Kobe — there ain’t nobody better man. It’s a sad day, there’s no way around it. My family and I have been sharing Kobe stories. We have so many moments that he’s given us. We’re so thankful for those moments. I’m thankful for those moments, cause he was one of my favorite players and I got to have a relationship. A friendship. And I’m going to miss him. I’m going to miss the friendship. When I came in the league I chased him. That’s who I chased. I wanted to be respected by him. And when I reached that level, I knew I did something. So Kobe, thank you man. Thank you for all the memories. We’ve got a lot of good ones. And these tears we’re crying, we’re going to miss you. And it’s not leaving today, a week from now, a year from now. We will forever, forever miss you man. Thank you for being my friend. I love you.”
PAU GASOL
Former teammate Pau Gasol wrote, “Beyond devastated…..my big brother……I can’t, I just can’t believe it.”
KAREEM ABDUL-JABBAR
Legendary Laker Kareem Abdul-Jabbar posted a video and captioned it, “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.”
MAGIC JOHNSON
Former Lakers player Magic Johnson wrote, “As I try to write this post, my mind is racing. I’m in disbelief and have been crying all morning over this devastating news that Kobe and his young daughter, Gigi have passed away in a helicopter crash. Cookie and I are heartbroken.”
KARL MALONE
Another former Lakers player and former teammate of Kober wrote, “I am at a loss for words..Kobe and Gianna you will never be forgotten. What a blessing to see your impact you have had in this world, Kobe. Prayers for the Bryant family. Rest In Peace, little brother and Gigi..”
MIKE KRZYZEWSKI
Mike Krzyzewski, who coached Bryant for the USA in the 2008 and 2012 Olympics wrote, “We have tragically lost one of the greatest sports figures of our time with the passing of Kobe Bryant,” Krzyzewski said in a statement. “The game of basketball is better today because of Kobe, and he deserves eternal appreciation for that.”
JARED DUDLEY
Jared Dudley who joined the team last year wrote, “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..”
JAVALE MCGEE
Javale McGee, who joined the team in 2018, wrote in a tweet, “Rest in peace KOBE!”
STEVE NASH
Former teammate Steve Nash wrote, “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 ”
TALEN HORTON-TUCKER
NBA rookie Talen Horton-Tucker said, “I’ve never heard anything sound so unreal to me before. Hurts my heart ”
DONOVAN MCNABB
Former NFL quarterback Donovan McNabb said, “Prayers and blessing to the @kobebryant family. Such a devastating time right now. A great friend, mentor to all,positive role model and teacher of the game. Words can’t express my feeling for him as a person, father and player. It hurts. RIP Black Mamba”
TOM BRADY
“We miss you already Kobe ❤️❤️ ”
JOHN LEGEND
“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”
ELLEN DEGENERES
“Like everyone, I’m stunned and saddened by the news about Kobe Bryant. My heart is broken for his wife and family.”
MARIAH CAREY
“In shock right now. RIP Kobe ”
FERGIE
“completely heartbroken and speechless. Sending all my love to vanessa, his kids , and the other families involved ”
BILL RUSELL
“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”
BRAD STEVENS
Celtics’ Brad Stevens said, “Most of the guys in this league, the way I’d describe it… Kobe is their Jordan. We won’t say anything about the game [tonight], we’ll just talk about why the game matters.”
CHRISSY TEIGEN
“Downtown right now and nothing feels more unimportant than what we are doing today. This is absolutely terrible. Everyone is numb.”
TONY PARKER
“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”
PHARRELL
“The world lost a giant today. Rest In Peace Kobe Bryant. Also praying for the other passengers that we lost and their families.”
KANYE WEST
“Kobe, We love you brother. We’re praying for your family and appreciate the life you’ve lived and all the inspiration you gave”
KENDALL JENNER
“sadly, i never personally knew you, but knowing i’m capable of all these emotions for someone i only knew from a far makes me feel more human than ever. you had the magical ability of bringing people together, through sports and through your soul. we feel you so heavily today, i know you can feel us too. rest peacefully Kobe, Gigi and the rest of the passengers we lost today. my heart truly goes out to all the families. give a big hug to the people you love today and always”
KRIS JENNER
“Devastated by the news of losing our precious Kobe Bryant. Words cannot express our sadness. All my deepest love and prayers are with Vanessa and Kobe’s family at this time. ”