On Sunday, countless people around the world were shocked that Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant had died in a helicopter crash.
Among those was the 44th president of the United States, who tweeted his support.
Kobe was a legend on the court and just getting started in what would have been just as meaningful a second act. To lose Gianna is even more heartbreaking to us as parents. Michelle and I send love and prayers to Vanessa and the entire Bryant family on an unthinkable day.
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) January 26, 2020
Barack Obama has been well-known for his love of the sport of basketball. During his time as commander in chief, he had a basketball court installed on the grounds of the White House.
Obama had the honor of meeting Bryant on a couple of occasions when the Lakers visited the White House to be honored as defending NBA champs.
The fallout from Bryant’s tragic death is palpable. He’s considered by most to be one of the 10 greatest basketball players of all time, and some even consider him the greatest Lakers player ever.
With career averages of 25.0 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.7 assists a game, Bryant’s impact on and off the court went well beyond his numbers.
He helped lead the Lakers to five NBA championships during his tenure and played a huge role in restoring the luster of the franchise after years of mediocrity in the 1990s.
