The world lost nine souls on Sunday when a helicopter crashed into a hillside in Calabasas, California. But the NBA, in particular, lost an icon and a budding star when Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna “GiGi” Bryant, perished in the accident. Kobe, 41, and GiGi, 13, were doing what they loved: flying with friends and teammates to participate in youth basketball games at the MAMBA Sports Academy in Newbury Park.
The tragic news has sent shock waves through the basketball world. The Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers postponed what was supposed to be their latest meeting at Staples Center. Teams around the league have paid tribute to the Black Mamba with shot-clock and backcourt violations, in addition to moving tributes of their own. Some players, like Spencer Dinwiddie and Terrence Ross, are voluntarily retiring their own No. 8 and No. 24 jerseys, while others, like Joel Embiid, have temporarily sported Kobe’s numbers to honor him.
The NBA on TNT crew held…
