“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.”
- President Barack Obama
“I am absolutely devastated and heartbroken by the sudden and tragic loss of Kobe Bryant and his beloved daughter Gianna. Kobe Bryant was a king in Los Angeles and one of the greatest athletes the world has ever known. He thrilled Los Angelenos for 20 seasons at the Staples Center, was an 18-time NBA All Star, earned five NBA championships, was twice named the MVP of the NBA Finals, and earned the NBA’s MVP award. Fans around the world marveled at his skills on the court season after season. He was truly spectacular to watch. He was our champion, a living legend, and an inspiration to countless fans and aspiring athletes around the world. His loss is felt by millions of grieving fans who are in shock and disbelief by the tragic passing of such a prolific athlete, devoted husband, and loving father. 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.”
- Congresswoman Maxine Waters
“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.”
- Congresswoman Karen Bass
“Kobe Bryant was a giant who inspired, amazed, and thrilled people everywhere with his incomparable skill on the court — and awed us with his intellect and humility as a father, husband, creative genius, and ambassador for the game he loved.”
- A. Mayor Eric Garcetti
“Kobe was much more than a champion on the court. He was a father, an entrepreneur, producer, and an important voice to end homelessness. Our collaboration on #HomeWalk to end homelessness in @CountyOfLA will continue to fuel the #Fight4Homeless.”
- A. County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas
“We are all devastated at the news of the tragic deaths of Laker legend Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna and the other seven passengers aboard the helicopter. It’s going to take all of us some time to process the tremendous loss of life that occurred on Sunday. I send my deepest and heartfelt condolences to the families of all who were killed. We named August 24 ‘Kobe Bryant Day’ in honor of the greatness he achieved not just on the court but off. The pride of our city and a role model to children around the world, the ‘Mamba Mentality’ will live on forever. We’re praying for Kobe’s wife Vanessa, their three other children and all of the families involved.”
- A. City Councilman Herb Wesson
“Kobe Bryant was a Los Angeles icon. He wasn’t just talented— he was masterful. My prayers are with his wife Vanessa, his family, his teammates, and his millions of fans. The greatest of all time… may he and his daughter Gianna Rest In Peace.”
- A. County Supervisor Janice Hahn
“Saddened by the death of Kobe Bryant, one of the NBA’s greatest legends who inspired fans with his drive and passion,” she said. “Our thoughts go out to his family during this painful time, as well as the families of all those who were lost in this terrible tragedy.”
- Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot
“As the reports came in on the death of Kobe Bryant, his daughter and the other passengers on board his helicopter we all were shocked and saddened by the news of a life gone far too soon. Whether you were a Laker fan or not, the news seemed surreal. This tragic death of a young man dying in the prime of his life is a reminder to us all of just how precious life really is and how we must all embrace life, love and family and never forget what is really important. Kobe was a warrior on the basketball court and he seemed to ease his way into retirement life with the same passion and enthusiasm that we all admired when he was playing in the NBA. My thoughts and prayers go out to his parents, his wife, his children and all those who admired Kobe Bryant not only as a basketball star but as a Man, a Son, a Husband and Father.””
- Danny J Bakewell Sr – Los Angeles Sentinel & L.A. Watts Times Executive Publisher
“There’s no words to express the pain I’m going through now with this tragic and sad moment of losing my niece Gigi & my friend, my brother, my partner in winning championships, my dude and my homie. I love you and you will be missed. My condolences goes out to the Bryant family and the families of the other passengers on board. IM SICK RIGHT NOW!”
- Shaquille O’Neal
“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.”
- Magic Johnson
“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. Everyone at Lakernation is mourning with the rest of the world the death of one of the greatest players & human beings we all have ever known… so I just wanted to share a couple of my memories of Kobe.”
- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
“To see him with his young daughter and the attention he paid to them … getting involved with women’s basketball and growing the sport. This was a man for all seasons. He was more than an iconic basketball player. He was someone who inspired millions of fans. For me, this is a God-awful day.”
- Jerry West
“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❤️🙏🏾”
- Lebron James
“This sounds crazy but Kobe spoke this,” said Tracy McGrady. “I want to die young.”, Kobe Bryant said. “I thought he was crazy,” said McGrady. “I want to be immortalized. I want to have my career be better than Michael Jordan’s and I want to die young,” said Bryant
- Tracy McGrady
“We have lost more than a basketball player today. We lost a legend, my friend and my brother! We have also lost a part of our future with GG gone too soon💔💔💔💔💔💔💔Prayers for all the family 🙏🏾🙏🏾”
- Lisa Leslie
“This is one of those days everyone will remember where they were when we lost a legend. Kobe an amazing basketball player but even better husband, father, friend, MENTOR. It doesn’t seem real. My thoughts and prayers go out to all the victims and families.”
- Candace Parker
“This is more than sad. When you have someone who is, I say is because he still lives in all of us. We all know he was a great basketball player but he was a better father husband and family man. He did so much in our community that a lot of people really don’t know about. ”
- Jim Hill
“All I can say is thank you”
- Steph Curry
“Man this is a tough one for me! You were the first guy to put me under your wing and show me the ins and outs of the league. Had so many great convos about so many things and I will cherish those moments forever. Love you forever, Bean! #RIPKobe #RIPGiGi 😔”
- Anthony Davis
“Man just being happy for me…man just saying how proud he was of me and how he wants me to continue being a role model for kids growing up…and…just for Gigi…and all the kids looking up to me just continue to inspire these kids and continue to play my heart out. That’s one of the last things he said to me.”
- Trae Young
“Not you!! RIP mamba! thank you for everything you showed and did for the world!! 🙏🙏🙏💔”
- Luka Doncic
“ Kobe means greatness, I grew up with Kobe. Kobe influenced my life. Looking up to him, one of the reasons I started playing basketball. One of the reasons that I am here today. Yesterday was a horrible day for basketball, for everybody. A lot of people were really affected by it. I send my deepest condolences to their family, Vanessa and the kids that they leave behind. All I can do is pray for them.”
- Giannis Antetokounmpo
“It is hard to comprehend all of this. Just having those moments with Kobe, it was always about pressing forward and at this time it is so hard to so. It is hard to keep going right now… I know we are all just mourning.”
- Kevin Durant
“Knowing him personally, I know he’d want me to come out here & ball & still just be great… Everybody’s sad. No words can explain the impact he had on the sport… It’s just sad.”#Clippers”
- Kawhi Leonard
“God please be with the families involved. Heal every broken heart and be there in their time of need! Still can’t believe this 😢 I’m grateful to have someone like you to look up to growing up in Cali. You inspired me to play basketball and to dominate on both ends. You made it cool to play defense and bust someone’s ass on offense. Thank you for taking me under your wing and being in my corner. Rest easy Kobe! 🙏🏾🙏🏾😢🐍”
- Paul George
** FOR USE WITH YEAR END AS DESIRED–FILE ** Los Angeles Lakers’ Kobe Bryant, top, goes up for a shot between the Boston Celtics’ Paul Pierce, left, and Al Jefferson during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Los Angeles, in this Feb. 23, 2007, file photo. (AP Photo/Branimir Kvartuc, file)
“Jeannine & I are absolutely shocked to hear of the loss of one of my favorite people & one of the best basketball minds in the history of the game! Our hearts & prayers to Vanessa & his girls. @kobebryant you were my biggest fan, but I was yours #RIPMAMBA”
- Bill Russell
“Sadly absorbing the tragic news about my teammates loss of his Son and granddaughter. Joe and Pam I humbly offer my condolences. Vanessa so sorry for your loss and pray you remain strong and focused on you and Kobe’s dreams for your family. Here Always for you…”
- Julius “Dr. J” Erving
“You go through the 20 years of Kobe’s career and you think of how many people hated Kobe because of how great he was and you get to that last game when he scored 60-something points,” Vince Carter said. “… I think the world grew to love him even more after retirement because of the love he started to show different people. I’m talking kids in college, Trae (Young), his last tweet to LeBron (James, who just one day earlier surpassed him for third on the NBA’s all-time scoring list). You could see a man who was such a fierce competitor at peace as he was sits courtside now. It’s not the Mamba competing against whoever. It’s the dad teaching his daughter the ins and outs of the game. … That’s what I saw and that’s what I think a lot of people saw.”
- Vince Carter
“It’s one memory of him that I can’t stop thinking about. It was our rookie season and my first trip to LA for a game against the Lakers. He came to my hotel, picked me up and took me to a restaurant. When we returned before he left, he asked me, “”What are you going to do tonight?”” My reply was, “”I’m going to the club, what are you going to do?”” He said, “”I’m going to the gym.”” That is who he always was, a true student of the game of basketball and also the game of life. He prepared relentlessly. There is something we can all learn from the “”Mamba”” mentality and from the way my brother lived his life. He will always have my respect as a competitor, as a friend, as a brother.
- Allen Iverson
