Few people could ever understand the impact Kobe Bryant made on the game of basketball, but Michael Jordan can certainly relate. Like so many others, Jordan was devastated by the tragic death of Bryant and Bryant’s daughter on Sunday.
Not long after news surfaced that Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna were among those who died in a helicopter crash in California, Jordan issued a statement saying he is “in shock.” Jordan referred to Kobe as a “little brother” and touched on what a respected family man Bryant was.
Statement from Michael Jordan pic.twitter.com/AqLsRWMxl9
— Vincent Goodwill (@VinceGoodwill) January 26, 2020
Initial reports said Kobe, his daughter and three other people were killed in the crash. However, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department later revealed that nine people died.
Tributes have been pouring in from all across the sports world, and that theme will continue. Bryant is easily one of the most influential figures in the history of the NBA. He was a 5-time NBA champion, 18-time All-Star, 2-time NBA Finals MVP, and NBA MVP.
Bryant was just 41.
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Other victims of the helicopter crash:
– John Altobelli, junior college baseball coach, also died in helicopter crash
– Christina Mauser, girls’ basketball coach, among the helicopter crash victims
Tributes to Kobe:
– Dallas Mavericks retire Kobe Bryant’s No. 24 jersey
– Video: Raptors, Spurs start game with amazing tribute to Kobe Bryant
– Shaq posts heartfelt tribute to Kobe Bryant
– Michael Jordan releases statement on death of ‘little brother’ Kobe Bryant
– Video: Doc Rivers breaks down crying talking about Kobe Bryant
– Phil Jackson calls Kobe Bryant ‘a chosen one’ in statement on his death
– NBA commissioner Adam Silver issues statement on death of Kobe Bryant
– Video: Dwyane Wade posts emotional message reacting to Kobe Bryant’s death
– Kendrick Perkins extends olive branch to Kevin Durant after Kobe Bryant’s death
– Video: Emotional Mike Breen sums up NBA world’s emotions about Kobe Bryant’s death
– Trae Young’s huge game was full of Kobe Bryant-related statistical coincidences
More coverage:
– Media errors, rumors, poor judgment run rampant in reporting of Kobe Bryant news
– Kobe Bryant checked in on Shaq’s son Shareef morning of helicopter crash
– No, Rick Fox did not die in helicopter crash that killed Kobe, Gianna Bryant
– Lakers fans start memorial to Kobe Bryant outside Staples Center
– Kobe Bryant’s last tweet was congratulating LeBron James on passing him
– Sports world stunned over Kobe Bryant news
– Kobe Bryant dies in helicopter crash – dead at 41
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