Kobe Bryant was a tireless competitor who became a global sports icon
NBA legend was killed along with his daughter, seven others, in helicopter crash north of Los Angeles. He was 41. The aircraft, which also carried Mr. Bryant’s 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, and seven others, crashed and burst into flames near Calabasas, Calif., late Sunday morning. There were no survivors. Mr. Bryant, whose home and post-NBA film and publishing offices were in the Orange County suburbs of southern Los Angeles, traveled frequently via helicopter. Mr.
The numbers are among the planned All - Star weekend tributes to Bryant and Gianna , who were among nine people who died in helicopter crash on January 26. The team captained by Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo will wear the No. 24 that Bryant wore in the later stages of his
The NBA' s two All - Star teams will wear jersey numbers honoring the memory of Kobe Bryant and daughter Gianna in the mid-season showcase LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers addresses the fans before the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on January 31, 2020 at Staples Center in
© Slaven Vlasic Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James and daughter Zhuri at a New York Fashion Week show in 2018 The NBA's two All-Star teams will wear jersey numbers honoring the memory of Kobe Bryant and daughter Gianna in the mid-season showcase, and Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James had a simple reason for going with Gianna Bryant's No. 2.
"Zhuri," James said, referring to his own five-year-old daughter.
James spoke movingly on Friday of the joy Bryant had found since his retirement in life as a family man and father of four daughters.
"It felt like these last three years were the happiest I've ever seen him," James said.
'Warrior' Kobe among handful of NBA's greatest legends
Kobe Bryant combined rare shooting skills, a tireless work ethic, fierce competitiveness, mental toughness and creativity to become one of the NBA's greatest players, according to his fellow basketball legends. "He was a fierce competitor, one of the greats of the game and a creative force," said six-time NBA champion Michael Jordan. "I loved Kobe, he was like a little brother to me."On purely basketball terms, Bryant was simply among the elite guards in NBA history, a maestro with dazzling drives to the hoop and the courage to take 3-point shots with the game on the line and the skill to sink them.
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James had a simple reason for going with Gianna Bryant ' s No. 2
The numbers are among the planned All - Star weekend tributes to Bryant and Gianna , who were among nine people who died in helicopter crash on January 26. The team captained by Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo will wear the No. 24 that Bryant wore in the later stages of his
The numbers are among the planned All-Star weekend tributes to Bryant and Gianna, who were among nine people who died in helicopter crash on January 26.
The team captained by Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo will wear the No. 24 that Bryant wore in the later stages of his 20-year NBA career.
Memories of Bryant are sure to be everywhere for the rest of the season, but James said the Lakers are finding their way forward.
"Today was the start of a new week," James said as the team trained at their practice facility in suburban El Segundo. "We got a great workout, great practice today.
"We continue to focus on what needs to be done to continue to win ball games and get better and be as great as we can be. So it was a good day for us today."
Opinion: Don't shy away from the complicated part of Kobe Bryant's legacy
Kobe Bryant was a transcendent player who inspired many, but his 2003 rape accusation should not be forgotten in the wake of his death on Sunday.That Kobe Bryant was a transcendent player, one of the best to ever play the game of basketball, is without question. So, too, that he inspired hundreds of thousands of kids to reach beyond themselves, be it on the basketball court or, in the last few years of his life, the creative arts.
LeBron James says his daughter is the reason he chose Gianna Bryant ’ s No. 2 jersey for the All - Star Game . James revealed why he chose to pay homage to Gianna during the game by wearing the No. 2. Los Angeles Times reporter Tania Ganguli He picked 2, the number Gianna Bryant wore.
LeBron James ' reason for wearing Gianna Bryant ' s number at All - Star game ? The 2020 NBA All - Star game will be heavy on tributes to Kobe Bryant , starting with the numbers on every player’s back “To see him these last three years just being y’all see ‘GirlDad,’ the hashtag. I’m a girl dad .
But it hasn't been easy, and James said the Lakers continue to lean on each other as they try to get to grips with Bryant's death.
"There is no way any individual can do it on their own," he said.
"The week that we had, the week that we've all had.
"You have to lean on somebody in order to gain strength. That's the only reason we're all able to get through it together."
Pictures: Famous people react to Kobe Bryant's death
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One of the greatest basketball players of all time, Kobe Bryant died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California, U.S., on Jan. 26, 2020. He was 41. Eight others, including his 13-year-old daughter Gianna, died in the crash. They were en route to the Mamba Sports Academy in Thousand Oaks, California, when the accident happened. Many famous personalities, including politicians and sportspersons, expressed their grief on social media. Take a look at some of them.
Kobe Bryant: Details of fatal helicopter crash revealed
The helicopter that Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter were travelling in on Sunday was trying to clear a layer of cloud before it crashed into the ground, investigators have said. Instead of clearing the clouds, the helicopter began to bank sharply before heading towards the ground at a speed of 2,000 feet (610m) per minute. © Rex Features Bodies of all nine people on the helicopter, including Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna, have been recovered A minute later, the twin-engine Sikorsky S-76B hit a hillside and burst into flames, according to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
The NBA has several Kobe and Gianna Bryant tributes planned for this All - Star weekend. "He picked 2, the number Gianna Bryant wore. When remembering her favorite exchange with Bryant , ESPN reporter Elle Duncan recalled Kobe telling her how much he loved being a " girl dad ."
LA Lakers forward LeBron James had a choice for the NBA All - Star Game later this month in My brother right here (Anthony Davis) is a girl dad .” James told reporters that he thought of his University of Connecticut women's basketball coach Geno Auriemma wore Bryant ' s Lakers jersey
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Shaquille O'Neal, former basketball player
“There’s no words to express the pain Im (sic) going through with this tragedy of loosing my neice Gigi & my brother @kobebryant I love u and u will be missed. My condolences goes out to the Bryant family and the families of the other passengers on board. IM SICK RIGHT NOW”
- via Twitter
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Barack Obama, former US president
"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 [Bryant's wife] and the entire Bryant family on an unthinkable day.”
- via Twitter
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Donald Trump, US president
“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... Melania and I send our warmest condolences to Vanessa and the wonderful Bryant family. May God be with you all!”
Kobe Bryant's final words of advice to Australian fans are revealed as unseen footage from his last tour Down Under emerges - after helicopter crash killed NBA legend, his daughter and seven others
A tribute video to Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gigi with unseen clips of his last visit to Australia was released by the promoters who organised the speaking trip.Bryant, a five-time NBA champion in two decades with the Los Angeles Lakers, died on Sunday aged 41 in a helicopter crash near Los Angeles that killed nine, including his daughter Gigi.
- via Twitter
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Whoopi Goldberg, actor
“RIP Kobe, hero to many including my grandson, extraordinary athlete and always kind to me & my family. My deepest condolences to his family”
- via Twitter
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Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, former basketball player
“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.”
- via Twitter
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Tom Brady, American football player
“We miss you already Kobe ❤️❤️????????????????”
- via Twitter
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Ben Affleck, actor
“My thoughts and prayers are with Kobe Bryant’s family, and the families of all those involved. Today reminds us just how short and precious life is, and a reason to be grateful and celebrate life while we can. Rest In Peace Mamba.”
- via Twitter
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Pharrell Williams, singer-songwriter
“The world lost a giant today Rest In Peace Kobe Bryant. Also praying for the other passengers that we lost and their families.”
Helicopter in Kobe Bryant Crash Wasn’t Legal to Fly in Poor Visibility
Helicopter in Kobe Bryant Crash Wasn’t Legal to Fly in Poor VisibilityWhen the helicopter carrying the basketball legend Kobe Bryant crashed into a fogbound mountainside on Sunday, killing all nine people onboard, the pilot who was struggling to avoid the clouds did not have the legal authority to navigate with his instruments because the aircraft owner did not have the necessary federal certification, according to three sources familiar with the charter helicopter company’s operations.
- via Twitter
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Ryan Seacrest, radio personality
“No words for the shocking and devastating news about Kobe Bryant. Absolutely heartbroken for his family.”
"He was a legend on the court and a hero to the LA community. He inspired us with his hard work, family values, and Mamba Mentality – to be better today than you were yesterday."
- via Twitter
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Kanye West, rapper
“Kobe, We love you brother We’re praying for your family and appreciate the life you’ve lived and all the inspiration you gave”
- via Twitter
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Viola Davis, actor
“My heart goes out to Vanessa. Completely devastating. I know how much he LOVED his family and children! Just devastating.... God bless Kobe and Gianna and family. Heartbroken!”
- via Twitter
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Luis Suarez, football player
“Rest in peace KOBE BRYANT and all the victims who have passed away in that tragic accident and give all my condolences to family and friends????????????”
- via Twitter
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Jimmy Kimmel, television personality
“He was great, charismatic & among the hardest-working athletes ever, but what impressed me most was how deeply involved Kobe was with his four daughters. Pray for them, Vanessa, his parents & his fellow passengers' families on this sad and shocking day. We will never forget you Kobe”
Lack of ‘black box’ could hinder Kobe Bryant crash investigation
The NTSB has long urged federal aviation authorities to require black boxes on helicopters.NTSB investigators said the helicopter, which crashed into a hillside, also lacked a terrain avoidance warning system, something the transportation safety agency also has long recommended be standard. The pilot missed clearing the hill by 20 to 30 feet, investigators said Tuesday.
- via Twitter
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Justin Verlander, baseball player
“No words... Absolutely heartbroken for Kobe’s family. #RIPKobe”
- via Twitter
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Saquon Barkley, American football player
“My father never allowed me to idolized any man... but Kobe is someone who I idolize and has helped me become the person I am today and the man I hope to be! #mambamentality???? #forever”
- via Instagram
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John Legend, singer-songwriter
“I'm so sad and stunned right now. 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”
- via Twitter
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Megan Rapinoe, football player
“Heart going out to the Bryant family right now. ❤️. RIP @kobebryant”
- via Twitter
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Taylor Swift, singer-songwriter
“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.”
- via Twitter
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Ellen DeGeneres, television personality and comedian
“Like everyone, I’m stunned and saddened by the news about Kobe Bryant. My heart is broken for his wife and family.”
- via Twitter
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Billie Jean King, former tennis player
“Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of @kobebryant, as well as to the entire Lakers family. This is a horrible tragedy. Kobe was one of the best to ever play the game of basketball. May he Rest In Peace.”
'GirlDad' James picks Gianna Bryant's number for All-Star Game
The NBA's two All-Star teams will wear jersey numbers honoring the memory of Kobe Bryant and daughter Gianna in the mid-season showcase, and Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James had a simple reason for going with Gianna Bryant's No. 2. "Zhuri," James said, referring to his own five-year-old daughter. "Zhuri," James said, referring to his own five-year-old daughter.
- via Twitter
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Maria Sharapova, tennis player
“Kobe and Gigi???? This is incredibly difficult to process. I will never forget your generosity, and the time you set aside in some of my most difficult moments. I am forever grateful. My heart is with you and your beautiful family.”
- via Twitter
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Sachin Tendulkar, former cricket player
“Saddened to hear about the tragic demise of Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna & others on-board the helicopter. My condolences to his family, friends and fans across the world. #KobeBryant”
- via Twitter
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Novak Djokovic, tennis player
“My heart truly mourns over the news today. Kobe was a great mentor and friend to me. You and your daughter will live forever in our hearts. There are not enough words to express my deepest sympathies to the Bryants and every family suffering from this tragedy. RIP my friend”
- via Twitter
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Cristiano Ronaldo, football player
“So sad to hear the heartbreaking news of the deaths of Kobe and his daughter Gianna. Kobe was a true legend and inspiration to so many. Sending my condolences to his family and friends and the families of all who lost their lives in the crash. RIP Legend????”
- via Twitter
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Rafael Nadal, tennis player
“I woke up this morning with the horrible news of the tragic death of one of the greatest sportsman in the world. Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna and other passengers. My condolences to his wife and families. I am in shock.”
- via Twitter
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Kevin Hart, actor
“This honestly doesn’t make sense....I just saw you man. This hurts my heart. God please place your hands on his family and help guide them thru (sic) this unbearable time. We love you forever man...Legends never die!!!! #MambaMentality #RIP.... RIP to the other passengers as well as sending prayers to their families. ????????”
- via Instagram
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Jennifer Lopez (R), singer-songwriter
“Family. As I scrolled through Kobe’s feed, and Alex and I talk memories and moments we remember about him ... this is the truth that rings out the loudest ... family is what matters most. We are all feeling sadness from this loss, but all I can think of is that it is a grain of sand compared to what Vanessa must going through right now. I am sending all of my love and praying for you, your children and the other families involved in today’s tragic turn of events. The most unfair thing in life is to lose a child and husband on the same day. Vanessa, I pray for your strength and that God guides you each step of the way through this unimaginable heartbreak. To the other families who are suffering from this unthinkable tragedy, may God be with you all. Kobe you meant so much to so many and we will miss you forever. Thank you for your work ethic, your inspiration and your heart. #hero #legend #husband #father ????????????????”
- via Instagram
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Leonardo DiCaprio, actor
“Kobe was truly larger than life, a legend. May he and all those who lost their lives today rest in peace. Love and condolences to his family. LA will never be the same.”
- via Twitter
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Justin Bieber, singer-songwriter
“It can't be. You always encouraged me mamba. Gave me me some of the best quotes that we smile about to this day.! Love you man!”
- via Instagram
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Gigi Hadid, supermodel
“This is too much. Rest In Peace and love together, legends. Growing up a Kobe fan brought so much joy to my life, like so many, and we were all so excited to see sweet Gigi play someday. Sending strength and my deepest condolences to Vanessa, the Bryant family, and all the families affected by this tragedy.”
- via Instagram
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Demi Lovato (C), singer-songwriter
“This makes me so sad. Kobe you were always so sweet to me. Known you over 10 years.. not super well but we always joked about you coming over and playing that game of horse! You will he (sic) so missed by so many. You’re a legend with wings now. RIP Kobe ???????????? *update* I just heard his daughter Gigi was also in the accident and it breaks my heart. This whole family was so sweet and now they’re in my prayers heavy. RIP Gigi beautiful girl. ????????????”
- via Instagram
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Didier Drogba, former football player
“It hurts so bad ????my thoughts and condolences to your family @kobebryant Thank you for all the advices and stories we shared, Man you are a true Champion and a great Man May you and your lovely daughter rest in Heaven ????????#blackmamba #kobe”
- via Twitter
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'GirlDad' James picks Gianna Bryant's number for All-Star Game .
The NBA's two All-Star teams will wear jersey numbers honoring the memory of Kobe Bryant and daughter Gianna in the mid-season showcase, and Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James had a simple reason for going with Gianna Bryant's No. 2. "Zhuri," James said, referring to his own five-year-old daughter. "Zhuri," James said, referring to his own five-year-old daughter.