Fans, Fellow Players Mourn Death Of NBA Legend Kobe Bryant; 'Words Can't Even Come Close To Describing It'
CHICAGO (CBS) -- The death of NBA legend Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter has sent shockwaves across the nation, after they were killed along with seven other people were killed in a helicopter crash near Los Angeles.
Bryant, 41, was named as a nominee for the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame last month. He is ranked 3rd all-time in points in NBA history. He won five NBA titles in his 20 seasons with the Lakers.
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Michael Jordan released a statement honoring Bryant Sunday afternoon. It read:
"I am in shock over the tragic news of Kobe's and Gianna's passing. Words can't describe the pain I'm 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. Yvette joins me in sending my deepest condolences to Vanessa, the Lakers organization and basketball fans around the world."
Meanwhile, Chicago Bulls Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations John Paxson released a statement on behalf of the Bulls:
"The Chicago Bulls organization is terribly saddened about the sudden passing of Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna, and the other passengers in today's horrific helicopter crash in California. While he leaves us far too soon, his legacy and persona will forever be remembered. One of the best to have ever played the game of basketball, we extend our deepest sympathies to the Bryant family and the other families affected."
Former teammate Pau Gasol, who helped Kobe lead the Lakers to back-to-back NBA titles in 2009 and 2010 and went on to play for the Bulls from 2014 to 2016, wrote on Twitter that he was "beyond devastated."
"My big brother... I can't, I just can't believe it," he wrote.
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Former Bulls guard and Chicago native Dwyane Wade issued a tweet reading: "Nooooooooooo God please No!"
Though he didn't name Bryant in his tweet, Chicago Bulls Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen wrote on Twitter that he was "stunned" shortly after news of the fatal helicopter crash broke on TMZ.
Bulls guard Zach LaVine wrote that he was "shook" by news of Bryant's death.
"More then just basketball man he has 4 daughters... life is crazy. Thoughts and prayers to his family," he wrote on Twitter.
Ron Harper played on three of the six Chicago Bulls championship teams in the 1990s and then played alongside Bryant on the Lakers. He simply wrote, "R.I.P my brother......." with icons showing hands clasped in prayer, hearts, and goats – for "greatest of all time." It included a link to a photo of the pair on the court together.
Chicago's Chance the Rapper posted an image on Instagram showing Bryant and his daughter shown from the back with halos above their heads.
Former President and longtime Chicagoan Barack Obama issued a tweet of condolence Sunday night. It said in part that Bryant was "just getting started in what would have been just as meaningful a second act."
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot also issued a tweet honoring Bryant, whom she called "one of the NBA's greatest legends who inspired fans with his drive and passion."
Also Sunday night, the United Center became one of many memorials to Bryant, as dozens of Chicagoans came to pay respects.
