Celebrities React To Kobe Bryant's Death

On Sunday, Jan. 26, the sports world was shaken by the loss of legendary NBA player Kobe Bryant. Bryant died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, Calif., along with what is believed to be seven other passengers and the pilot, per TMZ. The tab also reported that 13-year-old Gianna Maria Onore, one of Bryant's four daughters, and John Altobelli, a baseball coach, were aboard the fatal flight. The cause of the crash remains undetermined, but an investigation is reportedly underway.

While a lot of details have not been disclosed just yet, one thing is clear: Fellow athletes, celebrities, politicians, and more are coming together to mourn the loss of the 41-year-old former Los Angeles Laker. From Ice Cube's text message of denial to Magic Johnson's message to Laker Nation to Priyanka Chopra's manicure — fans recognized the Black Mamba's impact in diverse ways. 

Basketball legend Michael Jordan released a statement to Sports Illustrated, which read, in part, "Words can't describe the pain I'm feeling. I love 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." Jordan's statement also noted what an "amazing dad" Bryant was who "took great pride in his daughter's love for the game."

As shared on Sports Center's Twitter, Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young honored his "idol" by donning a jersey with the number 8 on and personalized shoes for Sunday's NBA game against the Washington Wizards. Ahead of the game, Young shared several tweets about Bryant's passing, including a simple, "This can't be real..." with a broken heart emoji. He later added a message about Bryant's daughter Gianna, writing in part: "This S*** can't be real... this the first moment I was able to meet Gianna Maria, she's been to only 3 games this year... 2 of them were mine... She told me I was her favorite player to watch."

The New York Knicks also took a moment of silence in his memory on Sunday night, projecting his image on the big screen. Madison Square Garden was lit up in the Lakers' purple and gold. Per Entertainment Tonight, LeBron James was also spotted in tears exiting the Lakers' plane after the news went public.

Members of the Kardashian-Jenner family were among the many to pay tribute to Kobe Bryant. Kim Kardashian posted a photo of Bryant and his daughter. Gianna. on Instagram, writing, "My heart is so heavy. No one should ever experience what Vanessa is going through. This has affected us all so much but I cannot begin to imagine what Vanessa is feeling losing her husband and baby girl. I cry just thinking's about it. I am praying for their family and everyone's families who perished in this unthinkable tragedy. Rest In Peace Legend."

Khloé Kardashian tweeted: "This can't be real ... there's no way!!! My heart hurts." Momager Kris Jenner shared multiple Instagram posts, including a message directed to Bryant's wife: "I don't have the words. Every ounce of my heart is with you, Vanessa." Kylie Jenner posted on Instagram: "at loss for words right now. praying for this beautiful family," while Kourtney Kardashian took to Instagram Story to say: "my heart is with Vanessa and her babies."

Kendall Jenner shared a few tweets, too. She wrote, "sadly,i never personally knew u,but knowing i'm capable of these emotions for someone i only knew from a far makes me feel more human than ever.u had the magical ability of bringing people together, through sports & ur soul. we feel you so heavily today,i know you can feel us too."

Twitter and Instagram have been flooded with messages about Kobe Bryant. Taylor Swift tweeted: "My heart is in pieces hearing the news of this unimaginable tragedy. I can't fathom what the families are going through. Kobe meant so much to me and to us all. Sending my prayers, love, and endless condolences to Vanessa and the family and anyone who lost someone on that flight."

In addition to sending "strength" and her "deepest condolences" to Bryant's family, Gigi Hadid shared on Instagram: "This is too much. Rest In Peace and love together, legends. Growing up a Kobe fan brought so much joy to my life, like so many, and we were all so excited to see sweet Gigi play someday." 

Demi Lovato posted an Instagram tribute that read: "This makes me so sad. Kobe you were always so sweet to me. Known you over 10 years.. not super well but we always joked about you coming over and playing that game of horse! You will [be] so missed by so many. You're a legend with wings now." Similarly, Justin Bieber shared a photo with Bryant on Instagram, writing: "It can't be. You always encouraged me mamba. Gave me me some of the best quotes that we smile about to this day.! Love you man!"

Priyanka Chopra, of course, wasn't the only celeb to honor Kobe Bryant at the Grammys. Kicking off the whole ceremony, host Alicia Keys told the crowd (via CBS News), "Earlier today, Los Angeles, America, and the whole wide world lost a hero. We're literally standing here heartbroken in the house that Kobe Bryant built." She continued, "Right now, Kobe and his daughter, Gianna, and all of those that have been tragically lost today are in our spirit, they're in our hearts, they're in our prayers. They're in this building. I would like to ask everybody to take a moment and just hold them inside of you." Keys was then joined by Boyz II Men to sing "It's So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday," since, as she said, music can be "the most healing thing in the world."

When Lizzo performed on stage, she also shouted, "Tonight is for Kobe" before belting out her song "Cuz I Love You." Lil Nas X also had one of Bryant's jerseys displayed during his performance. And perhaps one of the most moving moments was when DJ Khaled, John Legend, and more artists' tribute to the late Nipsey Hussle doubled as an homage to another LA legend, Bryant himself.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is the NBA's all-time leading scorer and Kobe Bryant wasn't too far behind. Following the news of Bryant's passing, the legendary Abdul-Jabbar paid his respects with a heartfelt video on Twitter, writing, "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."

While wearing a Lakers sweatshirt, Abdul-Jabbar said in the video, "It's very difficult for me to put in words how I feel about the loss of Kobe Bryant. As a young boy, I met him when he was 11 or 12 years old. I was friends with his dad Joe. We were former adversaries. Joe played for the 76ers, but he was a good friend... It's hard for me to understand now how this is affecting Joe and his wife." He extended his thoughts and prayers to Bryant's loved ones.

Abdul-Jabbar continued reflecting on Bryant's impact, "He was an incredible athlete and a leader in a lot of ways. He inspired a whole generation of young athletes. He was one of the first ones to leave high school and come into the NBA and do so well, dominating the game and becoming one of the best scorers that the Los Angeles Lakers had ever seen." That's a high compliment coming from a Laker legend such as Abdul-Jabbar.