Players and politicians recall late hoops legend
Stunned athletes, fans, celebrities and politicians took to social media on Sunday as news broke about Kobe Bryant’s death, posting tributes and memories of one of the NBA’s greatest players of all time. He was 41.
Bryant’s 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, also died in the helicopter crash. Seven others were killed.
His former Los Angeles Lakers teammate Shaquille O’Neal tweeted, “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.”
Celtics legend Bill Russell
tweeted, “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.”
Former President Barack Obama tweeted, “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.”
Celtics great Paul Pierce tweeted, “This is not real right now.”
Former NBA star Dwayne Wade tweeted, “Nooooooooooo God please No!”
Celtics player Marcus Smart tweeted, “I couldn’t guard him. No one could. He’s an AllStar in Heaven too. Praying for the whole family. I’m in shock.”
Celtics player Jayson Tatum on Instagram wrote, “Heart broken. My Hero. My Idol. The reason I started to play this game, the reason I fell in love with this game. Growing up wanting to be just like you, to you becoming a mentor, beyond thankful for everything you’ve done for me. … You inspired me and I am forever grateful more than you know!”
Lakers legend Magic Johnson tweeted, “Kobe and I shared so many special conversations about life and basketball. We had so much in common off the court. I used to love talking to him about Lakers basketball, being fathers and husbands and how much we loved Italy. I will miss those conversations and him so much.”
Boston Mayor Martin Walsh tweeted, “Sad to hear the news about Kobe Bryant, his daughter and all the other victims involved in the tragedy this morning. My heart goes out to all the victims’ families. Let us all hold our loved ones close, life is so precious.”
Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban tweeted, “We can never forget how precious life is. How those who are special to you and never let them forget how deeply you love them.”