‘May your memory be a blessing.’ Mark Cuban, athletes, actors, react to Kobe Bryant’s death
The sports world and beyond, including President Trump, the First Lady and former President Obama, are reeling with sadness and heartbreak over the shocking news of Kobe Bryant’s death.
Bryant, the NBA legend, died in a helicopter crash in the Los Angeles area Sunday. Bryant’s 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, also died in the crash.
Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban took the devastating moment to remind followers on Twitter to hug their friends and loved ones.
“We can never forget how precious life is. How those who are special to you and never let them forget how deeply you love them,” Cuban posted in a string of three messages on Twitter. “To all of my friends, thank you. Each of you have shared part of yourself with me and made my life better. I have tried to do the same. If you were here I would hug you like I just hugged my family. It hurts that it takes a tragedy to remind us of our mortality.”
Cuban added the hashtag #hugyourfriends.
Mavericks player Luka Doncic posted a photo of him posing for a court-side picture with Gianna Bryant when Dallas recently played the Lakers in Los Angeles.
NBA games paid tribute to Bryant. The Raptors and Spurs let the 24-second shot clock run out at the start of the game to pay homage. The Rockets and Nuggets held a moment of silence before tipping off.
The Lakers’ colors of purple and gold were used to illuminate building around Los Angeles and the country, including the Santa Monica pier, the Staples Center, which was hosting the Grammy Awards Sunday night, kept a spotlight on Bryant’s retired Lakers jerseys.
Actor Matthew McConaughey posted a message after 11 p.m. Sunday offering his memories of Bryant’s competitive drive.
“Kobe reminded us all that we can work harder, get better, do better, be better,” He posted on Twitter. “Our family prays for grace and courage to the Bryant family and to others of those who moved on today.”
Actor Ben Affleck offered his thoughts and prayers to Bryant’s family and the families of all those involved in the crash. “Today reminds us just how short and precious like is, and a reason to be grateful and celebrate like while we can. Rest in Peace Mamba.”
Former teammate Shaquille O’Neal posted a moving tribute on Twitter.
“My condolences go out to the Bryant family and the families of the other passengers on board,” O’Neal said. “IM SICK RIGHT NOW.”
Magic Johnson, a Hall of Famer and considered one of the games greatest players, addressed the loss in a series of eight posts on Twitter. Magic has referred to Bryant as the greatest ever Lakers player.
“I love him, his family and what he stood for on the court and off the court,” Johnson said. “As I try to write this post, my mind is racing. I’m in disbelief and have been crying all morning over this devastating news that Kobe and his young daughter, Gigi have passed away in a helicopter crash. Cookie and I are heartbroken.”
This story was originally published January 26, 2020 at 3:34 PM.
