Mayor James T. Butts
I have known Kobe Bryant since he came into the league at the age of 19. He was a transformational player and one who made the residents of Inglewood proud. He will be missed.
LEBRON JAMES
“I’m Not Ready but here I go. Man I sitting here trying to write something for this post but every time I try I begin crying again just thinking about you, niece Gigi and the friendship/bond/brotherhood we had! I literally just heard your voice Sunday morning before I left Philly to head back to LA. Didn’t think for one bit in a million years that would be the last conversation we’d have. WTF!! I’m heartbroken and devastated my brother!!. Man I love you big bro. My heart goes to Vanessa and the kids. I promise you I’ll continue your legacy man! You mean so much to us all here especially #LakerNation💜💛 and it’s my responsibility to put this shit on my back and keep it going!! Please give me the strength from the heavens above and watch over me! I got US here! There’s so much more I want to say but just can’t right now because I can’t get through it! Until we meet again my brother!! #Mamba4Life❤ #Gigi4Life❤”
EARVIN MAGIC JOHNSON
“As I try to write this post, my mind is racing. I’m in disbelief and have been crying all morning over this devastating news that Kobe and his young daughter, Gigi have passed away in a helicopter crash. Cookie and I are heartbroken. My friend, a legend, husband, father, son, brother, Oscar winner and greatest Laker of all-time is gone. It’s hard to accept. Kobe was a leader of our game, a mentor to both male and female players.”
SHAQUILLE O’NEAL
“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”
JERRY WEST, CLIPPERS ADVISOR (The man responsible for bringing Kobe to the Lakers)
“I think the thing that resonates with me the most is his incredible career. This a sad city right now, [because] of one person with one name: Kobe. You don’t even have to mention his last name. To see the pictures of him with his daughter, sitting at games, hugging him, to get a Christmas card every year from him, to watch his incredible family grow and prosper, and now to see not one, not two, but three families gone. [It’s] the saddest day of my life.”
THE LOS ANGELES LAKERS
“The Los Angeles Lakers would like to thank all of you for the tremendous outpouring of support and condolences. This is a very difficult time for all of us. We continue to support the Bryant family and will share more information as it is available.”
MICHAEL JORDAN
“I am in shock over the tragic news of Kobe’s and Gianna’s passing. Words can’t describe the pain I’m feeling. I loved Kobe — he was like a little brother to me. We used to talk often, and I will miss those conversations very much. He was a fierce competitor, one of the greats of the game and a creative force. Kobe was also an amazing dad who loved his family deeply — and took great pride in his daughter’s love for the game of basketball. Yvette joins me in sending my deepest condolences to Vanessa, the Lakers organization and basketball fans around the world.”
KAREEM ABDUL JABBAR
“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.”
THE LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS
“The Clippers mourn the sudden and devastating loss of Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna. Kobe, an icon and an institution in this city and this sport, inspired teammates and opponents alike with his commitment, determination and drive. Kobe was a singular figure who left an indelible mark on the community and the world. His family, friends, fans and the Lakers organization are in our thoughts and prayers. We will miss him.”
PAUL PIERCE, FORMER BOSTON CELTIC CHAMPION AND INGLEWOOD HIGH STAR
“This is not real right now.”
Adam Silver, NBA Commissioner
“The NBA family is devastated by the tragic passing of Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna. For 20 seasons, Kobe showed us what is possible when remarkable talent blends with an absolute devotion to winning. He was one of the most extraordinary players in the history of our game with accomplishments that are legendary: five NBA championships, an NBA MVP award, 18 NBA All-Star selections, and two Olympic gold medals. But he will be remembered most for inspiring people around the world to pick up a basketball and compete to the very best of their ability. He was generous with the wisdom he acquired and saw it as his mission to share it with future generations of players, taking special delight in passing down his love of the game to Gianna.”
“We send our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Vanessa, and their family, the Lakers organization and the entire sports world.”
CONGRESSWOMAN MAXINE WATERS
“I am absolutely devastated and heartbroken by the sudden and tragic loss of Kobe Bryant and his beloved daughter Gianna. My heart goes out to his wife, Vanessa, surviving children, relatives, teammates, and friends who are in mourning. I also extend my sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of all the victims who were onboard the helicopter. Los Angeles is mourning the loss of one of our most beloved legends and icons. Though Kobe Bryant is no longer with us, our city will never forget what he meant to us, and we will keep his legacy alive forever.”
Kerman Maddox, Majority Owner, Dakota Communications
“Kobe Bryant was not without faults, but as a competitor he was in a class by himself. Nobody worked harder or were more dedicated to their profession than Kobe Bryant. His work ethic and dedication was an inspiration for me. As a small business owner, I take pride in outworking the competition, much of that inspiration came from watching Kobe Bryant compete. He was an avatar who will be sorely missed !”
