Kobe Bryant's former agent talks about final text messages with basketball player: 'Kobe's last human act was heroic'

Rob Pelinka, general manager of the LA Lakers, pays tribute to Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna at an event at the Staples Center in Los Angeles: Getty Images
Rob Pelinka, general manager of the LA Lakers, pays tribute to Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna at an event at the Staples Center in Los Angeles: Getty Images

Kobe Bryant's former agent has revealed that the basketball player's final text, sent shortly before his death in a helicopter crash, was aimed at securing an internship for the daughter of a friend.

Speaking at a celebration of the the lives of Bryant and his daughter Gianna in Los Angeles, Rob Pelinka said: "His last human act was heroic."

Mr Pelinka, general manager of the LA Lakers, said the player was trying to secure an internship with a baseball agency for the daughter of John Altobelli, one of nine people to die in the 26 January crash that also killed Kobe and Gianna.

He told an audience of the Bryants' friends, family, colleagues and admirers at the Staples Center: "Kobe and I talked or texted every single day because that is what best friends do.

"Kobe vouched for the girl's character, intellect, and work ethic. He clearly wanted to champion a bright future for her.

"A handful of minutes later, Kobe and Gianna and seven other beautiful souls ascended into heaven. Kobe had been texting me from the helicopter."

He added: "Kobe's last human act was heroic."

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