This afternoon we learned that Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna Maria aka Gigi both tragically died in a helicopter crash in Calbasas.
Kobe Bryant is among those dead in a helicopter crash outside Los Angeles, a source confirms to ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 26, 2020
Sources: Kobe Bryant was on his way to a travel basketball game with his daughter Gianna when the helicopter crashed. Those aboard the helicopter also included another player and parent.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 26, 2020
Several teams played on Sunday immediately following Kobe’s death which led to several raw reactions from players and coaches.
While speaking to the media, Clippers head coach Doc Rivers was unable to talk because of how emotional he was about Kobe’s death.
Doc Rivers breaking down while trying to talk about Kobe's death was heartbreaking..man. pic.twitter.com/gsGYbUTeb9
— Gifdsports (@gifdsports) January 26, 2020
“Sorry I don’t have a lot to say. I have to go talk to a team before a game and tell them to play and I can’t.”
Doc wasn’t the only NBA player/coach that was emotional on Sunday, both Tyson Chandler and Austin Rivers cried in the middle of their games today.
Man that Austin Rivers reaction to hearing the Kobe Bryant news that they just showed on NBA TV is heartbreaking. pic.twitter.com/Ardt55kxmH
— Eric Kelly (@EricKellyTV) January 26, 2020
Tyson Chandler clearly heartbroken. Not sure how these players are able to focus on the game. #Rockets pic.twitter.com/QlO0ByjsEI
— Alykhan Bijani (@Rockets_Insider) January 26, 2020