Kobe Bryant death: NBA postpones Lakers-Clippers game
The game will be rescheduled at a later date, the NBA said.
The NBA postponed a scheduled game between the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers at the Staples Center on Tuesday after the death of Kobe Bryant and eight others, including his daughter, in a helicopter crash.
“The decision was made out of respect for the Lakers organization, which is deeply grieving the tragic loss of Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna and seven other people in a helicopter crash on Sunday,” the NBA said in a statement.
The game will be rescheduled at a later date, the league added. Ticket prices for the game surged on the secondary market prior to the postponement.
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Bryant, 41, and daughter Gianna, 13, were killed when their helicopter crashed into a hillside amid foggy conditions in Southern California on Sunday. Authorities are investigating the circumstances behind the crash.
The Lakers legend’s death triggered an immediate outpouring of sympathy in the sports world, with many fans participating in a vigil outside the Staples Center. Several NBA players were visibly shaken during games played on Sunday night.
“The NBA family is devastated by the tragic passing of Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna," NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement. "For 20 seasons, Kobe showed us what is possible when remarkable talent blends with an absolute devotion to winning."
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An 18-time NBA All-Star, Bryant spent his entire career with the Lakers. He won five NBA titles with the franchise. In retirement, Bryant transitioned to an entrepreneurial second career that included a venture capital fund and an Academy Award-winning production company.
Bryant’s business partners, including Nike, mourned his passing on Sunday night.
"We extend our deepest sympathies to those closest to Kobe, especially his family and friend,” Nike said in a statement. “He was one of the greatest athletes of his generation and has had an immeasurable impact on the world of sport and the community of basketball. He was a beloved member of the Nike family. We will miss him greatly. Mamba forever.”
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The Associated Press contributed to this report.