Former Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant was among nine people who were killed in a helicopter crash on Sunday in Calabasas, California. Among those who were reportedly on board with Bryant was his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna.
In a statement released by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, he stated:
"The NBA family is devastated by the tragic passing of Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna.
“For 20 seasons, Kobe showed us what is possible when remarkable talent blends with an absolute devotion to winning. He was one of the most extraordinary players in the history of our game with accomplishments that are legendary: five NBA championships, an NBA MVP award, 18 NBA All-Star selections, and two Olympic gold medals. But he will be remembered most for inspiring people around the world to pick up a basketball and compete to the very best of their ability. He was generous with the wisdom he acquired and saw it as his mission to share it with future generations of players, taking special delight in passing down his love of the game to Gianna.
“We send our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Vanessa, and their family, the Lakers organization and the entire sports world.”
Bryant entered the NBA out of high school in 1996 and led the Los Angeles Lakers to five NBA titles over the course of his 20-year career. Bryant also helped lead the United States to two Olympic gold medals during his playing career.
Arguably the game of his career came back on Jan. 22, 2006 when Bryant dropped 81 points in a 122-104 win over the Toronto Raptors. That mark remains the second-highest point total in a game in NBA history, only behind Hall of Famer Wilt Chamberlain's 100-point performance back in 1962.
His last act as an NBA player was among his best as he scored 60 points in his final game against the Utah Jazz on April 13, 2016.
Both of Bryant's No. 8 and No. 24 were retired by the Lakers organization back in December of 2017.