Los Angeles Lakers Stars, NBA Players and Celebrities Mourn the Late Kobe Bryant
Michael Jordan, Barack Obama, Kanye West and more pay tribute to the NBA legend.
The tragic news of Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna “Gigi” Maria-Onore’s deaths has left the world stunned. As grief-stricken fans rushed to Staples Center in Los Angeles to mourn the NBA legend on Sunday afternoon, public figures from sports, entertainment and beyond have also taken to social media to honor the Los Angeles Lakers star.
Basketball greats Michael Jordan and Shaq, former U.S. president Barack Obama, musicians Kanye West, Justin Bieber, Normani, Lizzo, John Legend and Drake are among the many celebrities who paid their respects on Twitter and Instagram.
The basketball player’s longtime sneaker endorser, Nike, has issued a statement in memory of the athlete:
“Along with millions of athletes and fans throughout the world, we are devastated by today’s tragic news. We extend our deepest sympathies to those closest to Kobe, especially his family and friends. He was one of the greatest athletes of his generation and has had an immeasurable impact on the world of sport and the community of basketball. He was a beloved member of the Nike family. We will miss him greatly. Mamba forever.”
Converse, Supreme and Stussy are also among brands that paid tribute to Bryant.
Statement from Michael Jordan: pic.twitter.com/oI7w6e7HLI
— Estee Portnoy (@esteep) 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
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
I am at a loss for words..Kobe and Gianna you will never be forgotten. What a blessing to see your impact you have had in this world, Kobe. Prayers for the Bryant family. Rest In Peace, little brother and Gigi.. pic.twitter.com/x6EkJaARDD
— Karl Malone (@TheDeliverer_32) January 26, 2020
My heart is broken for Kobe and his family. I’ll never forget the battles but what I really admired was the father he was to his girls. Rest In Peace old friend with your angel Gianna 💔
— Steve Nash (@SteveNash) January 26, 2020
Beyond devastated… my big brother… I can’t, I just can’t believe it
— Pau Gasol (@paugasol) January 26, 2020
rest in peace Kobe 🕊 pic.twitter.com/YtlMAVJHIJ
— Simone Biles (@Simone_Biles) January 26, 2020
A minute's silence in memory of Kobe Bryant before our training session. #RealMadrid pic.twitter.com/0mJkmOZqVO
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) January 27, 2020
Heart going out to the Bryant family right now. ❤️. RIP @kobebryant
— Megan Rapinoe (@mPinoe) January 26, 2020
We miss you already Kobe ❤️❤️🙏🏼🙏🏼
— Tom Brady (@TomBrady) January 26, 2020
I can’t. pic.twitter.com/Vc3dJZztYS
— NaomiOsaka大坂なおみ (@naomiosaka) January 27, 2020
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
Kobe, We love you brother
We’re praying for your family and appreciate the life you’ve lived and all the inspiration you gave pic.twitter.com/pxbgLOOmpY
— ye (@kanyewest) January 26, 2020
I’m heartbroken. Shocked. Husband, Father, Strategist, Philosopher-Poet, Warrior-Athlete, Filmmaker…your focus is magnetic, Kobe. My love goes out to you and your family. pic.twitter.com/MpKlVdjKV8
— Chadwick Boseman (@chadwickboseman) January 26, 2020
Kobe was truly larger than life, a legend. May he and all those who lost their lives today rest in peace. Love and condolences to his family. LA will never be the same.
— Leonardo DiCaprio (@LeoDiCaprio) January 26, 2020
My💔Goes Out To Kobe’s Family,Friends,Fans. It’s SO HARD To Deal With The Death Of a GREAT STAR,Because We Feel As If We Knew Them Personally.Kobe Bryant Was a GREAT ATHLETE,& All Of America Will Feel His Loss.
The 🌎 Has Lost a Bright Light ✨🌟✨.— Cher (@cher) January 26, 2020
I’m so sad and stunned right now. In Staples Arena, where Kobe created so many memories for all of us, preparing to pay tribute to another brilliant man we lost too soon, Nipsey Hussle. Life can be so brutal and senseless sometimes. Hold on to your loved ones. We miss you, Kobe
— John Legend (@johnlegend) January 26, 2020
He was great,charismatic & among the hardest-working athletes ever,but what impressed me most was how deeply-involved Kobe was with his 4 daughters. Pray for them, Vanessa, his parents & his fellow passengers’ families on this sad and shocking day. We will never forget you Kobe
— Jimmy Kimmel (@jimmykimmel) January 26, 2020
When I first came to America … it was Kobe, Shaq and the Lakers that made me fall in love with basketball. Kobe’s amazing talent, professionalism and love of the game was palpable. I’m so deeply saddened by this tragedy and send my love and prayers to all the families.
— Hugh Jackman (@RealHughJackman) January 27, 2020
I don’t have the words. Every ounce of my heart is with you, Vanessa. 💔 pic.twitter.com/H2b3af2Ft4
— Kris Jenner (@KrisJenner) January 26, 2020
