Kobe Bryant's sudden passing leaves NBA grieving

Kobe Bryant’s sudden passing leaves NBA grieving

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 18: Kobe Bryant addresses the crowd at halftime as both his #8 and #24 Los Angeles Lakers jerseys are retired at Staples Center on December 18, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maxx Wolfson/Getty Images) /

Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant was killed on Sunday morning in a helicopter crash. The shocked NBA community is grieving the tragedy.

Sometimes, there are no words. Such is the case on Sunday.

The news broke early in the afternoon of former Los Angeles Lakers star guard Kobe Bryant passing away in a helicopter crash in Calabasas. While Bryant’s death has not been officially confirmed by family, the Lakers or the NBA, it has been reported by multiple outlets including the local ABC affiliate and TMZ.

Around the league, current and former players, along with well-known pundits, have expressed their shock and sadness over Bryant’s tragic passing.

I’m shook..... idk what to think right now
— Zach LaVine (@ZachLaVine) January 26, 2020

How absolutely horrifying. Watching Kobe totally embrace post-basketball life has been awesome. Getting to do all the things he didn’t get to do while he was playing. Getting so wrapped up in his daughter’s basketball. The films. All of it. This is just unspeakably awful.
— nick wright (@getnickwright) January 26, 2020

We can never forget how precious life is. How those who are special to you and never let them forget how deeply you love them
— Mark Cuban (@mcuban) January 26, 2020

Please don’t tell me this is true . Not Kobe
— CJ McCollum (@CJMcCollum) January 26, 2020

Can’t be true ...
— Marco Belinelli (@marcobelinelli) January 26, 2020

https://twitter.com/mrvincecarter15/status/1221521438202568704

This is not real right now
— Paul Pierce (@paulpierce34) January 26, 2020

Nooooooooooo God please No!
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) January 26, 2020

Please no. Please god no. It can’t be true.
— Kevin Love (@kevinlove) January 26, 2020

Bryant, 41, played 21 seasons with the Lakers. He won five NBA titles and was an 11-time First-Team All-NBA selection, along with having 18 All-Star appearances and the 2008 NBA MVP trophy. Bryant is the NBA’s fourth all-time leading scorer, oddly being passed on the list by LeBron James for third place on Saturday night. Undoubtedly, Bryant will enter the Basketball Hall of Fame on the first ballot when he becomes eligible later in 2020.

Bryant entered the league as an 18-year-old, originally drafted by the Charlotte Hornets. He was traded on draft night to Los Angeles before forming a dynasty with center Shaquille O’Neal. The duo won three consecutive titles from 2000-02 before Bryant won two more with a new supporting cast in 2009 and 2010.

The Lakers play their next game on Tuesday, where they host the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center.

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