Knicks Players and Personalities React To Kobe Bryant News

New York's team sent its condolences across the country to Los Angeles

Following the tragic news of the deaths of Kobe Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven others in a helicopter crash on Sunday morning, Knicks players and personalities reached out via social media and elsewhere to express their condolences and remembrances for the former Laker star.

The Knicks organization itself first offered a statement via their Twitter to remember Bryant:

The New York Knicks join with the entire NBA community to mourn today’s sudden and tragic accident that claimed several innocent lives, including NBA legend Kobe Bryant and his young daughter, Gianna. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/Gof6nPBgTw

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) January 26, 2020

We are heartbroken at this incomprehensible loss of life, and send our thoughts and prayers to Kobe’s wife, Vanessa, the Bryant family and the Lakers during this difficult time. (2/2)

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) January 26, 2020

Prior to the MSG Network broadcast, Mike Breen and Walt "Clyde" Frazier remembered some of Kobe's legacy:

Clyde Frazier and Mike Breen remember #KobeBryant. pic.twitter.com/S4rhRJTgLd

— MSG Networks (@MSGNetworks) January 26, 2020

As the game began, Breen noticeably struggled to get things going, but he and Frazier once again eulogized Bryant in whatever way they could:

Bigger than basketball.

For 2️⃣4️⃣ pic.twitter.com/0TEaWESZuo

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) January 26, 2020

Various Knick players reached out via social media as well. Knick sophomore Kevin Knox offered a simple "rest in peace" on Twitter:

RIP 8/24🧡🕊😔

— Kev (@KevKnox) January 26, 2020

Elfrid Payton offered prayers to Kobe's family and all of those involved in the crash:

RIP Kobe bean!! So much respect for you. Prayers up to his family and everyone else who lost their lives today. Real stepper!

— elfrid payton (@elfrid) January 27, 2020

Damyean Dotson offered a look at his Nike Kobe sneakers that he wore for last night's game, in addition to a message featuring 8/24 (Kobe's two numbers), a snake emoji (for Kobe's Black Mamba nickname) and yellow and purple hearts.

pic.twitter.com/dXj0fvS1jW

— Damyean Dotson 🏁 (@wholeteamDot) January 27, 2020

8/24 🐍💜💛

— Damyean Dotson 🏁 (@wholeteamDot) January 27, 2020

Wayne Ellington, who played with Bryant on the Lakers earlier in his career, mourned for his "idol" Kobe and Gianna's loss and offered his support to the Bryant family:

Reggie Bullock supported to the idea that NBA players should wear Nos. 8 and 24 on future Jan. 26 in honor of Kobe's memory:

🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 https://t.co/zdY8IiJ6C9

— Reggie Bullock (@ReggieBullock35) January 27, 2020

Meanwhile, outside of social media, Taj Gibson and Marcus Morris shared thoughts on Bryant in the locker room postgame:

“Thank you for being the true definition of a superstar.”

— Taj remembers Kobe Bryant pic.twitter.com/GRCU2l5ur6

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) January 27, 2020

“The aura he gave off was greatness.”

— Marcus Morris Sr. pic.twitter.com/AuT4vCRfAr

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) January 27, 2020

Other Knicks, like Frank Ntilikina and Bobby Portis, simply retweeted tributes to Bryant. Kobe's untimely death rocked the league Sunday, and the outpouring of support from Knicks players and others all over the league served as a testament to the impact he had on the sport.