Current, former Phoenix Suns react to news of Kobe Bryant’s passing

NBA teams and Phoenix Suns players took to social media to voice their disbelief with the news of basketball legend and former Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant died in a helicopter crash on Sunday in Calabasas, Calif.

Bryant was traveling with eight others, including the pilot and his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna “Gigi” Bryant, when the private helicopter went down on Sunday.

Rest In Peace, Mamba. Forever legendary. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/Z6lfIm5H7o

— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) January 26, 2020

“On behalf of the league, the Suns and our players, our thoughts and prayers are with Kobe’s family, and that’s the deal right now,” Suns head coach Monty Williams said ahead of the team’s Sunday night game.

@suns head coach Monty Williams statement on Kobe Bryant @kobebryant #RIP #blackmamba pic.twitter.com/93PSNg4H8W

— Will Decker (@dilliam_wecker) January 26, 2020

Suns forward Cheick Diallo and guard Jared Harper expressed their reactions on Twitter.

I can’t believe this 😭

— _cd13 (@cheick_diallo13) January 26, 2020

Anybody that knows me.. knows how hard I will forever go for Kobe

— JARED HARPER🍷™ (@Therealvinoo) January 26, 2020

Forward Devin Booker paid homage to Bryant by writing “Be Legendary” on his shoes for Sunday’s game.

Devin Booker's kicks tonight. pic.twitter.com/PNwz9z9C2M

— Jon Bloom (@JonBloom) January 26, 2020

Former Suns players like Jamal Crawford, Alan Williams, Richaun Holmes and Alec Peters also couldn’t believe the news.

Prayers to his family and all the families affected.. This hurt my heart.

— 🏁 Jamal Crawford (@JCrossover) January 26, 2020

This one hurts so bad 💔

— BigSauce (@alantwilliams) January 26, 2020

No way

— Richaun Holmes (@Rich_Holmes22) January 26, 2020

The stories, the intensity, and the love you had for the game were second to none. RIP Kobe

— Alec Peters (@petersalec) January 26, 2020

Former Suns forward Amar’e Stoudemire was coming off the court from his debut in the Israeli Premier League when he found out about the news.

“It feels unreal. I don’t even want to believe it,” Stoudemire said.

אמארה סטודמאייר לא יכל לעצור את הדמעות אחרי ששמע על מותו הטראגי של קובי בראיינט@Amareisreal couldn't hold back tears after hearing about @kobebryant tragic death pic.twitter.com/bwkH7fxxlo

— Sport5 (@sport5il) January 26, 2020

Bryant teamed with former Suns center Shaquille O’Neal to win three NBA titles from 2000-02.

There’s no words to express the pain Im going through with this tragedy of loosing my neice Gigi & my brother @kobebryant I love u and u will be missed. My condolences goes out to the Bryant family and the families of the other passengers on board. IM SICK RIGHT NOW pic.twitter.com/pigHywq3c1

— SHAQ (@SHAQ) January 26, 2020

Jared Dudley also played for the Suns, but is now part of the Los Angeles Lakers.

Speechless on this plane ride home! A sad day bruh! RIP Kobe Bean Bryant! Prayers go to his family and loved ones 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 This doesn’t even feel real man..

— Jared Dudley (@JaredDudley619) January 26, 2020

At the Toronto Raptors, San Antonio Spurs game on Sunday, the players unanimously decided to let the shot clock run out to honor No. 24.

Remarkable moment to start the Raptors-Spurs game. pic.twitter.com/thmt9ZU1Ra

— Timothy Burke (@bubbaprog) January 26, 2020

Bryant, 41, is the Lakers franchise leader in points (33,643), games played (1,346), 3-pointers (1,827), steals (1,944) and free throws (8,378).

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