CLEVELAND, Ohio (92.3 The Fan) – The Cleveland Cavaliers issued a statement Sunday afternoon following the tragic death of former NBA superstar Kobe Bryant.
“We stand in disbelief and shock at the horribly sad news of the tragic passing of NBA legend Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna,” the team posted on its social media channels. “Emotions and sentiments are very heavy for all of us and we extend our deepest condolences to his wife, Vanessa and family. As one of the greatest to ever take the court, Kobe also had a very special, inspiring, iconic, global presence with the game of basketball and we will be forever grateful for his impact and miss him greatly.”
Bryant was killed along with his 13-year old daughter Gianna Maria and seven others in a helicopter crash Sunday morning outside of Los Angeles, California.
Bryant's untimely death rocked not just the NBA but the entire sports world and tributes filled social media, including from Cavs players.
Please no. Please god no. It can’t be true.
— Kevin Love (@kevinlove) January 26, 2020RIP KOBE ------ I can’t believe this is true. I’m at a loss for words --
— Tristan Thompson (@RealTristan13) January 26, 2020ALL NBA teams should retire the numbers 8 AND 24
— Tristan Thompson (@RealTristan13) January 26, 2020An absolute honor.. Rest In Peace Mamba
A post shared by Larry Nance Jr (@larrydn7) on Jan 26, 2020 at 1:18pm PST
Bryant won the Slam Dunk contest during All Star weekend held in Cleveland in February 1997.
His final game in Cleveland came on Feb. 10, 2016. Bryant scored nine of his 17 points in the fourth quarter of the Cavs’ 120-111 victory over the Lakers that saw the five-time NBA champion add six rebounds, three assists and a steal in 33 minutes to his stat line.
