Thousands of fans flocked to the Staples Center in Los Angeles to pay their respects to NBA legend Kobe Bryant.
Bryant, who played with the LA Lakers for 20 years, died in a helicopter crash on Sunday morning at the age of 41.
The incident, which took place in Calabasas, also claimed the life of his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven others.
Also among those who died were Orange Coast College baseball coach John Altobelli, 56, his daughter Alyssa, wife Keri, as well as Harbor Day School assistant coach Christina Mauser.
Following the confirmation of Bryant's death, several mourners paid tribute to the five-time NBA champion on social media.
And a mass crowd converged on the Staples Center - where the Lakers play their home matches and the place where Bryant established himself as one of the best basketball players of all time.
Although the Lakers were not playing on Sunday, it did not stop supporters from making their way to the arena - with many laying down flowers and items of memorabilia.
Many of those in attendance could be seen breaking down in tears and chanting Bryant's name as they remembered the legend.
Bryant spent his entire 20-year career with the Lakers after making his debut in 1996, and went on to become their all-time top points scorer - a record he still holds today.
He won five NBA championships during a glittering career, three of which were back-to-back from 2000-2002 in a much-celebrated team including Shaquille O'Neal.
The Lakers won consecutive titles again in 2009 and 2010, with Bryant winning most valuable player in both finals.
After calling time on his playing career, the Lakers retired the number 8 and 24 jerseys - the two shirts he had worn for the franchise.
In addition to the the tributes at the Staples Center, people were also quick to leave flowers and other offerings at Bryant's Mamba Sports Academy in Thousand Oaks.
Mourners also assembled at other iconic arenas across the United States, including Madison Square Garden in New York.
In addition to the huge fan reaction, Bryant was also honoured at several sporting events throughout the day.
Tributes were held before a number of the day's NBA games, as well as the NFL's Pro Bowl in Orlando.
In the NBA game between the Toronto Raptors and the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday night, both teams let the 24-second shot clock run out in honour of Bryant.
Meanwhile Paris St Germain forward Neymar made a '24' gesture with his hands after scoring against Lille in Ligue 1.
The Lakers next play against city rivals the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday night at Staples Center.
Following his side's victory over the Orlando Magic on Sunday, Clippers' coach Doc Rivers told reporters: "The news is just devastating to everybody who knew him, knew him a long time.
"He means a lot to me, obviously, he was such a great opponent, that's what you want in sports.
"He had that DNA that very few athletes could ever have, the Tiger Woods, the Michael Jordans. I was getting to know him more since he retired."
