Basketball greats, others pay tribute to Lakers legend

Reaction from the basketball world and beyond on the death of retired NBA superstar Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, in a helicopter crash on Sunday:

“Words can’t describe the pain I am feeling. I loved Kobe — he was like a little brother to me. We used to talk often, and I will miss those conversations very much. 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.” — Michael Jordan “The crash was a tragedy for multiple families. My heart goes out to Vanessa and the families that lost loved ones. Kobe was a chosen one — special in many ways to many people. Our relationship as coach/player transcended the norm. He went beyond the veil.” — former Bulls and Lakers

coach Phil Jackson “It’s an unbelievable reality that he’s no longer here.” — Tiger Woods “Just devastated to hear about #KobeBryant. An extraordinary athlete, and a genuinely kind, wonderful man. Sending love, prayers & compassion to his family. To his entire @NBA family as well.” — actress Reese Witherspoon “As I tweet through my tears, I am so hurt. I cannot stop crying. Kobe was instrumental to so many people. There is a hole in the basketball world and there will be for a long time. Rest in heavenly peace.” — the Rev. Jesse Jackson “Today we at @WaltDisneyCo mourn the tragic loss of @kobebryant . . . a giant in sports and a person so full of life. Terrible news and so hard to process . . .” — Robert Iger, chairman

and CEO of Disney “A true gladiator in our life time. You will be forever in our memories, our childrens memories, and generations to come.” — rapper Wyclef Jean “It’s just a huge loss to the game. He was a great example on a lot of different stages.” — rapper Rick Ross at the

Grammy Awards “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 and prayers to Vanessa & his girls. @kobebryant you were my biggest fan, but I was yours. #RIPMAMBA” — Basketball Hall of Famer

Bill Russell “That is terrible news!” — President Donald Trump “Kobe Bryant Rest in Peace. Unbelievable, unbelievably sad...” — Basketball Hall of Famer

Isiah Thomas “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.” — Eric Garcetti, Los Angeles mayor