LA Lakers owner Jeanie Buss has broken her silence following the tragic death of legendary basketball player Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna.
The pair died along with seven other people when the helicopter they were travelling in crashed on Sunday morning, and tributes have been paid from high-profile figures from all around the world.
Bryant, who spent 20 years at the Lakers, was widely regarded as one of the greatest athletes of all time, and Buss wrote an emotional tribute to Bryant and his daughter.
"Kobe, I don't know how to express what you mean to me, my family and the Los Angeles Lakers," she wrote. "My father loved you like a son, which makes us family.
"When you invited me to lunch shortly after my father passed away (in 2013), I was struggling to find motivation and purpose. Kobe, you brought Gianna with you to spend some time with me. You explained that you wanted to show her that women can be leaders in the NBA, just like the men.
"At first, it seemed like an action of a devoted father setting an example for his daughter. But in actuality -- and I am positively sure you knew EXACTLY what you were doing -- what you did was give me the inspiration and strength I was searching for. I reflect on that day often and it makes me smile and it makes me strong."
Buss also took the opportunity to send her condolences Bryant's wife and three other daughters, and called on Lakers fans to stay strong to get through the tragedy.
She continued: "Vanessa, Natalia, Bianka, and Capri - I am so sorry for your loss. We are grateful to have you in our lives and we will always be here for you."
"To the families that also lost loved ones on Sunday, the entire Laker family mourns with you. Laker Nation - we are one family grieving the loss of people we all loved dearly. We will mourn together, cry together but we will also heal together, love together and win TOGETHER. We love you."
Bryant's wife Vanessa also spoke out today, saying "there aren't enough words to describe our pain."
