The NBA was rocked by the shocking, tragic death of Kobe Bryant on Sunday, and while some were forced to press on and compete in the wake of the news, they took time to pay tribute to the legendary player.
The Spurs and Raptors both took 24-second violations to honor Bryant, while the crowd at the game in San Antonio could be heard chanting “KOBE!”
The Spurs and Raptors both take 24 second violations in honor of Kobe Bryant while the crowd chants “KOBE!”
— Kenny Beecham (@KOT4Q) January 26, 2020
Meanwhile, the Rockets and Nuggets also held a moment of silence before their game to pay tribute, and P.J. Tucker was spotted with a handwritten message on his shoes — “RIP KB” and “Love you KB 24.”
The Rockets and Nuggets held a moment of silence before tipoff to remember Kobe Bryant. pic.twitter.com/PAiFHze1LK
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 26, 2020
P.J. Tucker wearing Kobe’s today with a written message pic.twitter.com/TkXJE2rDUG
— Alykhan Bijani (@Rockets_Insider) January 26, 2020
Madison Square Garden changed its exterior lights to purple and gold, Lakers colors, to pay respect.
MSG just switched the exterior lights to Purple and Gold. #RIPmamba pic.twitter.com/H5jPyScW4q
— Connor Nolte (@nolte) January 26, 2020
Kyrie Irving reportedly left the arena after learning of Bryant’s death and will not play in tonight’s game.
Kyrie Irving left Madison Square Garden after hearing the Kobe Bryant news, I was told. Never returned.
He will not play tonight.
— Anthony Puccio (@APOOCH) January 26, 2020
LeBron James in tears as he exits the Los Angeles Lakers team plane following the news of Kobe Bryant's death. James passed Kobe for 3rd on the all-time scoring list yesterday. pic.twitter.com/4gUYmRjUqI
— 12 SPORTS (@12SportsAZ) January 26, 2020
Of course, former and current players alike took to social media to express their shock and sadness. “Words can’t even come close to describing it,” Scottie Pippen wrote. “I started playing ball because of Kobe after watching the 2010 finals,” Joel Embiid tweeted. “That finals was the turning point of my life. I wanted to be like Kobe. I’m so freaking sad right now. RIP legend.”
Bryant’s former teammate Shaquille O’Neal wrote, “There’s no words to express the pain I’m going through with this tragedy of losing my niece Gigi & my brother @kobebryant.”
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
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. pic.twitter.com/X2vF0M0a1u
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 26, 2020
Statement from Michael Jordan: pic.twitter.com/oI7w6e7HLI
— Estee Portnoy (@esteep) January 26, 2020
Dwyane Wade pays tribute to Kobe Bryant pic.twitter.com/JQJSXUzF7Q
— Yashar Ali 🐘 (@yashar) January 27, 2020
I’m stunned. Words can’t even come close to describing it. Just an incredibly sad and tragic day.
— Scottie Pippen (@ScottiePippen) January 26, 2020
Devastated to hear the news on my friend @kobebryant passing. Prayers go out to his wife Vanessa and his children and the @Lakers family. pic.twitter.com/Oki9GkYEu5
— Dennis Rodman (@dennisrodman) January 26, 2020
Please no. Please god no. It can’t be true.
— Kevin Love (@kevinlove) January 26, 2020
Beyond devastated… my big brother… I can’t, I just can’t believe it
— Pau Gasol (@paugasol) January 26, 2020
Man I don’t even know where to start😭😭 I started playing ball because of KOBE after watching the 2010 finals. I had never watched ball before that and that finals was the turning point of my life. I WANTED TO BE LIKE KOBE. I’m so FREAKING SAD right now!!!!
RIP LEGEND
— Joel Embiid (@JoelEmbiid) January 26, 2020
Doc Rivers press conference on Kobe Bryant is heart breaking 💔 @SONTHoops
— Sports ON Tap (@SONTHighlights) January 26, 2020
I hope this isn’t true man!!! Not Kobe
— Tristan Thompson (@RealTristan13) January 26, 2020
Nooooooooooo God please No!
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) January 26, 2020
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