The surreal news of Kobe Bryant’s death was met with shock across the NBA.
Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna were among five people who died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, Calif. on Sunday as they traveled to Mamba Academy (for a basketball game or practice). The sports world was left stunned with the news, with many sending their thoughts on social media.
Doc Rivers, who played in the NBA from 1983-1996 and has coached since 1999, addressed the media before his Los Angeles Clippers’ game on Sunday in Orlando. The 58-year-old head coach broke down crying while speaking about Kobe.
Doc Rivers breaking down while trying to talk about Kobe's death was heartbreaking..man. pic.twitter.com/gsGYbUTeb9
— gifdsports (@gifdsports) January 26, 2020
“This is just shocking news for all of us. Sorry I don’t have a lot to say. I have to go talk to a team before a game and tell them to play … I can’t,” Rivers said.
Here’s the full clip of him talking about Kobe:
Doc Rivers remembers Kobe Bryant. pic.twitter.com/q6LcIA4ghT
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) January 26, 2020
The video of Rivers shows just how deep of an impact the death of Kobe has had on the NBA world. The Spurs and Raptors began their game Sunday with a tribute to Kobe. Shaquille O’Neal has also shared an emotional tribute to his former teammate.
More Larry Brown Sports coverage of Kobe Bryant’s death:
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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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