Longtime Boston Celtics rival and career Los Angeles Laker Kobe Bryant died in a helicopter crash Sunday, Jan. 26, leaving many fans and former teammates and opponents in a state of shock.
Celtics fans and players alike around the world joined the rest of the wider NBA community in dealing with the shocking news of Bryant’s unexpected death on Sunday, many taking to social media to express their condolences and grief.
Celtics media reflected on Bryant’s time as a nemesis of the organization they covered, with nothing but respect for their shared memories of his epic battles with the Celtics.
And for some it was more personal:
Former Celtics from all eras weighed in on Bryant’s passing, many with their heartbreak evident.
Shaq in particular took Kobe’s loss hard, as the two were famously teammates on the Lakers before he would become a Celtic.
The Banner 17 Celtics were crushed by the loss, losing their fiercest competitor, part of who made them champions — but made it worth being one, too.
Banner 17 head coach Doc Rivers was unable to speak on his former opponent’s passing without breaking up.
And his son Austin, who became a basketball player in the years of Boston’s intense rivalry with Bryant’s Lakers was similarly affected.
Beyond the NBA, other Boston-area athletes weighed in as well in disbelief and anguish.
The current Celtics had the unwelcome duty to play on against the New Orleans Pelicans on the day of Kobe’s loss. The teams closed the locker rooms ahead of the contest to help give the players space to cope with the grief of Bryant’s unexpected passing.
Gordon Hayward was one Celtic particularly touched by the life of Kobe, who reached out to him after the devastating injury marking the start of his tenure as a Celtic.
The loss hit Celtics swingman Jayson Tatum especially hard, who developed a strong bond with his former childhood idol after growing into a mentee and friend later in life.
He would sit against the Pelicans that night with a groin strain, but also, clearly, with a very heavy heart.
Before the game against New Orleans, both teams would hold the ball for 24 seconds as a tribute to Kobe, and each team found ways to pay respects to the Laker legend throughout the contest.
The Boston Celtics released an official statement on Bryant’s passing:
As did NBA commisioner Adam Silver:
Rest in Power, Kobe Bryant.
