Kobe Bryant’s Death: Dwyane Wade, Scottie Pippen & More Reactions on Social Media

Ella Chochrek

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The world is mourning the tragic death of Kobe Bryant, who died in a Calabasas, Calif., helicopter crash Sunday morning at the age of 41.

Known as one of the NBA’s all-time greats, Bryant was an 18-time All-Star over the course of his 20 years in the league. He won five NBA championships, two NBA Finals MVPs and one league MVP before retiring from basketball 2016.

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A longtime Nike athlete, Bryant had a signature sneaker franchise called the Nike “Kobe.” The popular sneaker inspired a celebration, called Mamba Day, held on Aug. 24, the combination of Bryant’s two on-court numbers, 8 and 24. In his post-NBA years, the star won an Academy Award for his short film, “Dear Basketball.”

News of Bryant’s passing sent famous athletes, celebrity friends and fans reeling.

NBA super stars, including Dwyane Wade, Paul Pierce and Scottie Pippen, took to Twitter to share their shock and disbelief.

Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban also reacted: “Damn. RIP Mamba. May your memory be a blessing.”

Meanwhile, President Barack Obama tweeted: “Kobe was a legend on the court and just getting started in what would have been just as meaningful a second act. To lose Gianna is even more heartbreaking to us as parents. Michelle and I send love and prayers to Vanessa and the entire Bryant family on an unthinkable day.”

Longtime Lakers fans Bella and Gigi Hadid posted tributes to Bryant. Gigi wrote: “This is too much. Rest In Peace and love together, legends. Growing up a Kobe fan brought so much joy to my life, like so many, and we were all so excited to see sweet Gigi play someday.“ Bella added: “I can’t believe this…Rest in Peace King…. thinking about Vanessa and their beautiful children during this time….”

View this post on Instagram

This is too much. Rest In Peace and love together, legends. Growing up a Kobe fan brought so much joy to my life, like so many, and we were all so excited to see sweet Gigi play someday. Sending strength and my deepest condolences to Vanessa, the Bryant family, and all the families affected by this tragedy.

A post shared by Gigi Hadid (@gigihadid) on Jan 26, 2020 at 1:10pm PST

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💔I can’t believe this…Rest in Peace King and baby G…. thinking about Vanessa and their beautiful family during this time..I continue to go through photographs and still, this doesn’t seem real.. la loves you so deeply

A post shared by Bella 🦋 (@bellahadid) on Jan 26, 2020 at 11:58am PST

NBA legend Bill Russell posted a touching tribute, writing: “Jeannine & I are absolutely shocked to hear of the loss of one of my favorite people & one of the best basketball minds in the history of the game! Our hearts & prayers to Vanessa & his girls. @kobebryant you were my biggest fan, but I was yours.”

 

Former New York Giant Victor Cruz and former Green Bay Packer Brett Favre were also among those to post tributes to Bryant on social media.

View this post on Instagram

It can’t be. 😔

A post shared by Victor Cruz (@victorcruz) on Jan 26, 2020 at 12:11pm PST

Click through the gallery to see the makeshift memorial fans created for Bryant outside the Staples Center.

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