LeBron James, Jimmy Fallon, Drake: The World Pays Tribute to Kobe Bryant

Kobe Bryant
Highsnobiety / Christian Petersen

The world is in shock following the tragic news of Kobe Bryant’s death. TMZ broke the news of the NBA superstar’s fatal helicopter crash on Sunday morning. Bryant was among the nine passengers pronounced dead on-site, including his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna.

An 18-time All-Star and Los Angeles Lakers superstar, Kobe Bryant had one of the most illustrious NBA careers. Bryant ended his 20-year career in 2016, an MVP. His sudden death comes as a huge shock to his friends, fans, celebrities, and peers alike, and the news of his untimely passing was swiftly followed by an outpouring of tributes and condolences.

See how athletes and celebrities reacted below. Rest in peace, Kobe Bryant, you will be missed.

LeBron James

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I’m Not Ready but here I go. Man I sitting here trying to write something for this post but every time I try I begin crying again just thinking about you, niece Gigi and the friendship/bond/brotherhood we had! I literally just heard your voice Sunday morning before I left Philly to head back to LA. Didn’t think for one bit in a million years that would be the last conversation we’d have. WTF!! I’m heartbroken and devastated my brother!! 😢😢😢😢💔. Man I love you big bro. My heart goes to Vanessa and the kids. I promise you I’ll continue your legacy man! You mean so much to us all here especially #LakerNation💜💛 and it’s my responsibility to put this shit on my back and keep it going!! Please give me the strength from the heavens above and watch over me! I got US here! There’s so much more I want to say but just can’t right now because I can’t get through it! Until we meet again my brother!! #Mamba4Life❤️🙏🏾 #Gigi4Life❤️🙏🏾

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Jimmy Fallon

“Kobe was such a life force, so strong, creative and inspired that in my head, I thought that he was going to live forever,” The Tonight Show host said before diving into the story of how he met Bryant in the midst of a beer shortage. Watch above.

Shaquille O’Neal

Michael Jordan

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Scottie Pippen

Tony Parker

Paul Pierce

Dwyane Wade

Paul George

Rick Fox

Tristan Thompson

Jamal Crawford

Didier Drogba

Ronaldinho

Neymar Jr.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Thierry Henry

Sergio Ramos

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I still cannot believe it. You were basketball, passion, brilliance. Your smile, your impossible shots, your winning mentality, your work ethic. You were a leader, a genius, an idol to everyone. You became a legend for your achievements, for who you were as a person and how you inspired others. You won me over as a fan of the @nba and you helped me become a better athlete and a better competitor. It hurts, because the one thing you should not have done was to leave us. My thoughts are with your family and the families of those who lost their lives. #RIPKobe Sigo sin poder creerlo. Tú eras baloncesto, pasión, genialidad, sonrisa, tiros imposibles, mentalidad ganadora, ética de trabajo, líder, genio, ídolo de todos. Has sido leyenda por tus logros, por tu forma de ser y por tu forma de inspirar a los demás. A mí me ganaste como aficionado a la NBA y me ayudaste a ser mejor deportista y mejor competidor. Duele, porque solo había una cosa que no debías hacer, dejarnos. Mis pensamientos están con vuestra familia y con las familias de los fallecidos. #DEPKobe

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Lionel Messi

Nick Kyrgios

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Rest easy Kobe. Never forgotten.

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Barack Obama

Kanye West

Nike

adidas

Drake

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😤😔🥺 it can’t be

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Kim Kardashian

Snoop Dogg

Diddy

Nas

Anderson .Paak

50 Cent

Kevin Hart

21 Savage

YG

Cardi B

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🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽Unbelievable

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Quavo

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Gigi! 🙏🏾😔

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Meek Mill

2 Chainz

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😪😪😪😪 lord

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DJ Khaled

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GOD BLESS TO THE BRYANT FAMILY 🙏🏽

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Swizz Beatz

Jamie Foxx

Fat Joe

Kylie Jenner

Kehlani

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💔🙏🏼

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Hailey Bieber

Tiffany Haddish

Megan Thee Stallion

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💔 this is unbelievable

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Naomi Campbell

Bella Hadid

Tyler Mansour

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I use to think after watching MJ finish up his career as a Bull, that I would never witness anything like it again. You changed that for me. You came into the league and took that torch in stride. I now wanted to emulate your moves any time I was on the court. There was no trash can that didn’t fall victim to a fade-away while kicking my leg up and screaming “Kobe!” I can’t believe you’re gone and I probably won’t come to grips with this for awhile. I never got the chance to meet you, but if I did, I would have told you thank you. Thank you for changing the game of basketball and thank you for giving me so many memorable moments of watching basketball with my family. RIP to you & Gigi. 🐐😢

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Supreme

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Rest in Peace, Kobe Bryant, and his daughter Gianna.

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Words by Sarah Osei
Staff Writer