Lakers-Clippers game postponed following Kobe Bryant’s death

The Los Angeles Lakers’ NBA game against city rivals the Clippers has been postponed as a mark of respect following the tragic death of Kobe Bryant and his daughter.

Bryant, a five-time NBA champion who played for the Lakers throughout his 20-year career, died aged 41 in a helicopter crash in California on Sunday alongside his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven other people.

The Lakers were set to meet the Clippers at Staples Center, but the fixture will now take place at a later date.

“The decision was made out of respect for the Lakers organisation, 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 Lakers made their first public comment since the tragedy with a brief statement on Monday.

“The Los Angeles Lakers would like to thank all of you for the tremendous outpouring of support and condolences. This is a very difficult time for all of us. We continue to support the Bryant family and will share more information as it is available.”

The news of Bryant’s death sparked an outpouring of grief around the world as tributes flooded in with Michael Jordan, arguably basketball’s most famous name, former United States president Barack Obama and personal friend and former England football captain David Beckham among those to pay their respects.

Los Angeles Sheriff Alex Villanueva said nine people, including the pilot, had died in the crash but was awaiting the coroner’s report before confirming any identities as it would be “inappropriate” to do so.

A shrine to Bryant – who became an Oscar winner in 2018 for Best Animated Short Film for ‘Dear Basketball’, which he wrote and narrated – has been set up outside the stadium, complete with candles, flowers and photographs from fans.

The light towers surrounding Los Angeles International Airport were illuminated in purple and gold on Sunday, in homage to the colours of Bryant’s Lakers jersey.

Los Angeles City Hall was similarly lit up in the famous purple.

NBA commissioner Adam Silver said the organisation was “devastated” by the news.

“For 20 seasons, Kobe showed us what is possible when remarkable talent blends with an absolute devotion to winning,” he said in a statement.

“He was one of the most extraordinary players in the history of our game with accomplishments that are legendary: five NBA championships, an NBA MVP award, 18 NBA All-Star selections, and two Olympic gold medals.

Beckham, who played for the LA Galaxy from 2007-12 and was a friend of Bryant’s, paid his own personal tribute.

Writing on his Instagram page, Beckham said: “It’s taken me hours to work out what to write and still my words won’t ever be enough to describe how I am feeling after the tragic loss of Kobe.

“This was one special athlete, husband, father and friend. Having to write these words is hard enough but also knowing we have lost an amazing human being and his beautiful and talented daughter Gianna is heartbreaking.

“He was determined to inspire the next generation of boys and girls to embrace the sport that he loved. His legacy will live on.”

Bryant, who was married to wife Vanessa and had three other daughters, Natalia, Bianca and Capri, became an 18-time NBA All-Star during a career that saw him transcend the sport.

He was named the NBA’s Most Valuable Player in 2008 and is the fourth highest scorer in the history of the NBA with 33,643 points, pushed down the list by current Laker LeBron James as recently as Saturday night.

Alongside Shaquille O’Neal, Bryant helped the Lakers win three NBA championships in a row between 2000 and 2002.

It is a feat that has not been matched since, with the Golden State Warriors losing in last year’s finals having won two in a row.  Bryant won further NBA titles in 2009 and 2010.

He said in a statement released by his spokeswoman on Twitter: “I am in shock over the tragic news of Kobe’s and Gianna’s passing. Words can’t describe the pain I’m feeling.

“I loved Kobe – he was like a little brother to me. We used to talk often, and I will miss those conversations very much.

Obama sent love to the Bryant family following their loss.

He tweeted: “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.”