The world is mourning the death of NBA legend Kobe Bryant. The 41-year-old was among nine people who were on board a helicopter that crashed near Calabasas, California. His 13-year-old daughter was also on the helicopter with him. Fans gathered outside STAPLES Center in Los Angeles Sunday to memorialize the Los Angeles Lakers icon. Bryant played 20 seasons with the Lakers and is widely regarded as one of the best to ever play the game.
Kobe Bryant's former coach on the Los Angeles Lakers is remembering the NBA legend. Phil Jackson called the helicopter crash a "tragedy for multiple families." He called Kobe a "chosen-one in many ways to many people." He also said his relationship with Bryant "transcended the norm," adding that Kobe "went beyond the veil." Bryant was among nine people on board a helicopter that crashed in Southern California, killing everyone on board. Bryant was 41-years-old.
Former Spurs stars Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili tweeted shortly after the word came out on Bryant's death. Parker said, "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." Ginobili tweeted, "Devastated." Other players also reacted on Twitter. Magic Johnson wrote, "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." Sixers big man Joel Embiid tweeted he started playing ball because of Kobe after the 2010 finals and wanted to be like Kobe. NBA Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen tweeted he is stunned. Dwyane Wade simply tweeted "No, please, God no." Rookie guard Ja Morant tweeted simply he is numb. Mavericks owner Mark Cuban tweeted "May his memory be a blessing."
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