The touching tributes to Kobe Bryant from sports stars, celebrities and more
By Mary Clarke
The sports world, and more, have come together to remember the extraordinary life of Kobe Bryant in the wake of his death.
The news of Kobe Bryant’s death at the age of 41 has hit the sports world hard.
Bryant was killed in a helicopter crash in California on Sunday in a tragic incident, along with his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna.
In the hours since the news broke of Bryant’s passing, tributes have poured in from across the world at large, breaking boundaries in grief and in celebration of the Los Angeles Lakers legend.
Despite the news, the NBA decided not to cancel their scheduled eight games they had on deck, prompting tributes during those games from fans and players. Before the Denver Nuggets and Houston Rockets played at the Pepsi Center, a moment of silence was had for Bryant.
https://twitter.com/FanSided/status/1221536641405333505
The same was done in San Antonio before the Spurs and Raptors game.
Here's the moment of silence for @NBA legend Kobe Bryant inside the AT&T Center, before today's @spurs game against @Raptors #RIPBlackMamba pic.twitter.com/zcpYoiMkqL
— Phil Anaya (@phil_anaya) January 26, 2020
Both Toronto and San Antonio also paid tribute to Bryant by committing 24-second shot clock violations in honor of Bryant’s No. 24.
Raptors & Spurs each let the shot clock run out to honor Kobe Bryant pic.twitter.com/dyrEddjMPH
— CJ Fogler account may or may not be notable (@cjzero) January 26, 2020
The New Orleans Pelicans and Boston Celtics honored Bryant in the same manner.
Both teams honored Kobe Bryant by taking a 24-second shot clock violation to start today's game pic.twitter.com/YYrV3GDRFz
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) January 26, 2020
Trae Young of the Atlanta Hawks also started the game in a No. 8 jersey to honor Bryant.
Trae Young started the game wearing a No. 8 jersey to honor Kobe Bryant pic.twitter.com/VUoMswAQVi
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 26, 2020
In a soccer match for Paris Saint-Germain, Neymar celebrated his second goal of the match by holding up Bryant’s number as tribute.
Video of Neymar’s tribute to Kobe ⬇️
— FanSided Soccer (@FanSidedSoccer) January 26, 2020
(via @beINSPORTSUSA)
pic.twitter.com/JAMQJfdg9a
Neymar on Kobe Bryant's passing: "I looked at the messages at half-time. This is a time of immense sadness for the world of sport. Not just basketball fans. I knew him. This celebration was for him. I hope he rests in peace." (C+)
— Get French Football News (@GFFN) January 26, 2020
During the NFL Pro Bowl being held on Sunday, Za’Darius Smith paid tribute to Bryant with a sack celebration.
On social media, the outpouring of support for Bryant came from players and coaches across all sports.
You will be missed brother. My thoughts are with the Bryant family at this difficult time. RIP Kobe. pic.twitter.com/WV58jRJ5FZ
— Jason Kidd (@RealJasonKidd) January 26, 2020
Statement from Michael Jordan pic.twitter.com/AqLsRWMxl9
— Vincent Goodwill (@VinceGoodwill) January 26, 2020
Laker Nation, the game of basketball & our city, will never be the same without Kobe. Cookie & I are praying for Vanessa, his beautiful daughters Natalia, Bianka & Capri, as well as his parents Joe & Pam & his sisters. We will always be here for the Bryant family. pic.twitter.com/WWxmtEAJqZ
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 26, 2020
Tara VanDerveer found out about Kobe Bryant's death after the game: "It just reinforces to our team how much we love each other and how much we care about each other."
— Janie McCauley (@JanieMcCAP) January 26, 2020
There’s no words to express the pain Im 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 pic.twitter.com/pigHywq3c1
— SHAQ (@SHAQ) January 26, 2020
Shaq also paid a longer tribute to Bryant on his Instagram.
Lamar Jackson told ESPN he never met Kobe Bryant, but it meant a lot that Kobe signed a jersey for him when drafted.
— Sarah Ellison (@sgellison) January 26, 2020
“He’s a legend. He did so much for the game of basketball. A lot of people look up to Kobe Bryant, including myself...My thoughts & prayers are with his family.”
.@sabrina_i20 pays respects and remembrance to @kobebryant in warmups for @OregonWBB #kobe Bryant #GoDucks This will be a tough game for the Ducks. pic.twitter.com/FoWV7E9uzj
— ANDY NELSON (@APNELSONPHOTOS) January 26, 2020
We are devastated by the tragic news that Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna have died in a helicopter accident.
— MLB (@MLB) January 26, 2020
Our thoughts are with the Bryant family and all those affected today. pic.twitter.com/MO5NuR1F5o
Alex Ovechkin, on the news of Kobe Bryant:
— Samantha Pell (@SamanthaJPell) January 26, 2020
"It's tough you know, because I know him. He always treat me well when he saw me. You know, it's hard. He was a legend in the basketball world and the whole world, and it is tough. Still can't believe it."
Alex Ovechkin on being able to meet Kobe Bryant, and his legacy: "As an athlete you want to meet one of the greatest you know? And he was the best."
— Samantha Pell (@SamanthaJPell) January 26, 2020
https://twitter.com/PKSubban1/status/1221526766163918849
A memorial is starting at Mamba Sports Academy in Newbury Park. Kobe Bryant had been on his way here. Young players filtered out of the back door, many in tears. pic.twitter.com/JO36bVOAIL
— Rich Hammond (@Rich_Hammond) January 26, 2020
Celebrities from across the world also took to social media to say their piece about the death of Bryant.
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 and the entire Bryant family on an unthinkable day.
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) January 26, 2020
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.
— Taylor Swift (@taylorswift13) January 26, 2020
This is heartbreaking. Rest In Peace Kobe.
— Nick Jonas (@nickjonas) January 26, 2020
I can’t believe it. Kobe was an absolute legend. Whenever I would see him I would light up in the cheesiest way. His talent and drive was incredible. Such a sad, tragic day. pic.twitter.com/zXWITBnbYO
— Rebel Wilson (@RebelWilson) January 26, 2020
man, we really grew up yelling “KOBE!” when we put up jump shots. Superhero! Such a tragic loss. RIP
— Bas (@Bas) January 26, 2020
More tributes to Bryant will undoubtedly trickle through as the news spreads across the sports world and beyond in the days to come.
Bryant is survived by his wife Vanessa and three children: Natalia, Bianca and Capri, the latter who was born in June 2019.
Next. Bryant’s final tweet paid respect to LeBron James. dark