LeBron James said Monday he's "heartbroken" as he joined other stars in paying tribute to NBA legend Kobe Bryant, who was killed in a California helicopter crash alongside his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, a day earlier.
Details: James said at the start of his Instagram post, "I’m not ready but here I go. Man I sitting here trying to write something for this post but every time I try I begin crying again just thinking about you, niece Gigi and the friendship/bond/brotherhood we had! I literally just heard your voice Sunday morning before I left Philly to head back to LA. Didn't think for one bit in a million years that would be the last conversation we’d have."
- Cameras captured James being consoled following the news of the deaths of his friend and Gianna, along with seven others, on Sunday:
LeBron James emotional as he exits the Lakers team plane following news of Kobe and Gianna Bryant’s death. 💔😢
— Complex (@Complex) January 27, 2020
More: https://t.co/vx4S8id04cpic.twitter.com/C2fdMoF4ef
What they're saying:
- NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement the NBA family was "devastated" by the tragedy. "For 20 seasons, Kobe showed us what is possible when remarkable talent blends with an absolute devotion to winning," he said.
- "He was one of the most extraordinary players in the history of our game with accomplishments that are legendary: five NBA championships, an NBA MVP award, 18 NBA All-Star selections, and two Olympic gold medals," Silver continued. "But he will be remembered most for inspiring people around the world to pick up a basketball and compete to the very best of their ability."
- Lakers Legend Earvin "Magic" Johnson tweeted, "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."
- Former Lakers teammate Derek Fisher tweeted, "Kobe's life after basketball was just beginning and his second act was going to be even greater. His legacy, Gigi's legacy both will live on forever!"
Statement from Michael Jordan: pic.twitter.com/oI7w6e7HLI
— Estee Portnoy (@esteep) January 26, 2020
- Former Miami Heat star Dwyane Wade said of Bryant on Twitter, "Heroes come and go LEGENDS live forever‼️ #8 #24"
- Lakers great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar posted a video tribute online:
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. pic.twitter.com/9EZuwk8wrV
— Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (@kaj33) January 26, 2020
Many political heavyweights also paid tribute to Bryant:
- President Trump said on Twitter, "Kobe Bryant, despite being one of the truly great basketball players of all time, was just getting started in life. He loved his family so much, and had such strong passion for the future. The loss of his beautiful daughter, Gianna, makes this moment even more devastating."
- Former President 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."
- California Gov. Gavin Newsom tweeted, "Today, the world lost a legend. Kobe Bryant's 20 year career with the @Lakers raised the bar for every player. He willed his team to triumphs. Competed with unparalleled ferocity. Defied the odds. Simply put — he was an icon. Our hearts go out to his family and fans."
Lights for a legend.
— Mayor Eric Garcetti (@MayorOfLA) January 27, 2020
Los Angeles City Hall lit in purple and gold starting at 8:24 p.m. this evening in honor of Kobe Bryant’s storied championship career and in memory of Bryant, his daughter, Gianna, and all who perished in today’s tragedy. pic.twitter.com/1una7Aj98Z
Other stars of sport and entertainment also paid tribute:
"We love you Kobe." @aliciakeys and Boyz II Men sing in tribute to Kobe Bryant and his family at the opening of the #Grammys https://t.co/kk0nIau0ee pic.twitter.com/v3KpXSkvyW
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) January 27, 2020
- Golfer Tiger Woods told CBS Sports at the Farmers Insurance Open in San Diego he only learned about what happened to his friend after the crowd there chanted at him, "Do it for Mamba." "It's a shocker for everyone. Unbelievably sad, and one of the more tragic days," he said.
- Singer John Legend tweeted ahead of the Grammys, which host Alicia Keys dedicated in memory of Bryant, "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."
One of the highlights at the #GRAMMYs was the opening sequence with @aliciakeys and Boys II Men giving a tribute to #Kobe. #RIPMamba #MambaOut #MambaMentality #MambaForever #TheDetox with @unapologeticeve #LiveItUp🚀 pic.twitter.com/LZeNuk8lIw
— Tidle Radio (@TidleRadio) January 27, 2020
We miss you already Kobe ❤️❤️🙏🏼🙏🏼
— Tom Brady (@TomBrady) January 26, 2020
rest in peace Kobe 🕊 pic.twitter.com/YtlMAVJHIJ
— Simone Biles (@Simone_Biles) January 26, 2020
The world lost a giant today
— Pharrell Williams (@Pharrell) January 26, 2020
Rest In Peace Kobe Bryant. Also praying for the other passengers that we lost and their families.
Like everyone, I’m stunned and saddened by the news about Kobe Bryant. My heart is broken for his wife and family.
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) January 26, 2020
Still can’t believe @kobebryant 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿 pic.twitter.com/swscrtnFAx
— Usain St. Leo Bolt (@usainbolt) January 26, 2020
My heart is in pieces hearing the news of this unimaginable tragedy. I can’t fathom what the families are going through. Kobe meant so much to me and to us all. Sending my prayers, love, and endless condolences to Vanessa and the family and anyone who lost someone on that flight.
— Taylor Swift (@taylorswift13) January 26, 2020
Go deeper: In photos: The life of NBA legend Kobe Bryant
Editor's note: This article has been updated with new details throughout.
