LeBron James reacts to Kobe Bryant’s death
By Kareem Gantt
LeBron James was seen wiping away tears after news of Kobe Bryant’s death reached the Los Angeles Lakers after landing back in L.A.
LeBron James was wiping away tears after news of Kobe Bryant’s untimely death reached the Los Angeles Lakers.
Captured by 12 News Phoenix, James was visibly emotional when he exited the team’s plane following news of the death of Bryant and his daughter, Gianna. James could be seen hugging teammates and coaching staff as with the rest of the Lakers as they returned from Philadelphia following a 108-91 loss the 76ers.
Sadly, Bryant’s last tweet was to congratulate James for passing him for third place on the NBA’s all-time scoring list with 33,644 points. Even in the accomplishment, James gave a shoutout to his brother with a tribute to Bryant written on his sneakers, “Mamba 4 Life.”
https://twitter.com/TheCrossover/status/1221560682929426432
Bryant was killed Sunday morning when the helicopter he was traveling in crashed outside Los Angeles. Along with Kobe and Gianna Bryant, seven others were also killed in the crash.
L.A. County Sheriff Alex Villanueva informed the public that nine people were killed in the accident. The cause of the crash is not yet known, while the investigation remains open.
The news of Bryant’s death has sent shockwaves throughout the NBA world, with numerous players, both past and present, sending out their tributes and condolences following his death.
Bryant was drafted in 1996 and went on to play his entire 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers, winning five NBA championships, being selected to 18 NBA All-Star games, winning the league’s Most Valuable Player in 2008, and selected to the NBA’s All-Defensive First Team nine times throughout his career.
Bryant retired in 2016, going out with a 60-point game against the Utah Jazz.