Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant died Sunday in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California.
Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant died Sunday in a he The 41-year-old was universally considered one of the greatest basketball players to ever play in the NBA. Unsurprisingly, Bryant's untimely passing sparked reactions from some of the biggest names in sports on social media.
ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, the gatekeeper of all things NBA knowledge, confirmed TMZ's initial report of Bryant's death:
Soon after, the biggest names in sports took to Twitter to express their disbelief and remorse. Many also expressed gratitude for Kobe's impact on the game and reflected on his enduring legacy:
Kobe Bryant is among those dead in a helicopter crash outside Los Angeles, a source confirms to ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 26, 2020
We miss you already Kobe ❤️❤️🙏🏼🙏🏼
— Tom Brady (@TomBrady) January 26, 2020
Still can’t believe @kobebryant 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿 pic.twitter.com/swscrtnFAx
— Usain St. Leo Bolt (@usainbolt) January 26, 2020
I mean I just saw my guy Kobe with the fam in LA at a volleyball game...can’t believe it
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) January 26, 2020
Dammit. Kobe. I am praying for your family. Thank you for the brilliance you brought to not only the game, but to the world. Renaissance Man- Forever. pic.twitter.com/vOUahC3h89
— Lance Allred (@lanceallred41) January 26, 2020
Kobe lived just down the road. Everyone in the area had nothing but great things to say about him. Rare for someone of his stature. A true legend. Incredibly sad
— Phil Hughes (@PJHughes45) January 26, 2020
A legend born & raised right here in Philly...
— Philadelphia Union (@PhilaUnion) January 26, 2020
We're keeping Kobe Bryant's family and friends in our thoughts 💙 Rest easy, Black Mamba. pic.twitter.com/lcgOasGd6l
15 hours ago man… I actually cannot believe this. Praying for his family and close friends. Hoping it’s not true https://t.co/WI9UuuTGQ8
— Cody Bellinger (@Cody_Bellinger) January 26, 2020