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From Magic Johnson to Shaquille O'Neal, the greatest to ever wear purple and gold paid tribute to Kobe Bryant.
- The NBA world mourned the loss of Lakers legend Kobe Bryant on Sunday.
- Bryant died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California. His 13-year-old daughter Gianna also died in the crash.
- On Twitter, Lakers legends and former teammates paid tribute to Bryant.
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The NBA world was shocked on Sunday by the death of Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, who passed away in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California along with his 13-year-old daughter Gianna.
Words of remembrance came in from figures across the sporting world, as NBA players and other superstar athletes learned of the tragic news.
On Twitter, fellow Lakers legends, as well as former teammates of Bryant, shared their own heartfelt tributes.
While the Lakers were not in action on Sunday, other teams playing around the paid tribute by letting the 24-second shot clock run out to start the game in honor of Kobe, who wore no. 24 through the latter half of his career with the Lakers.
LeBron James, who on Saturday had just passed Bryant to take third place on the NBA all-time scoring list, was seen grieving after getting off of the Lakers team plane on Sunday night.
"Continuing to move the game forward @KingJames," Bryant wrote on Twitter, in congratulations to James' accomplishment. "Much respect my brother #33644."
- Read more:
24 photos that celebrate Kobe Bryant's legacy
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, 2020Kobe was so much more than an athlete, he was a family man. That was what we had most in common. I would hug his children like they were my own and he would embrace my kids like they were his. His baby girl Gigi was born on the same day as my youngest daughter Me'Arah. pic.twitter.com/BHBPN5Wq8V
- SHAQ (@SHAQ) January 26, 2020My 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, 2020Beyond devastated... my big brother... I can't, I just can't believe it
- Pau Gasol (@paugasol) January 26, 2020Struggling to process what is now a reality. Kobe's life after basketball was just beginning and his second act was going to be even greater. His legacy, Gigi's legacy both will live on forever!
- Derek Fisher (@derekfisher) January 26, 2020Most 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. pic.twitter.com/9EZuwk8wrV
- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (@kaj33) January 26, 2020