The entire basketball world is still reeling from the sudden death of Kobe Bryant, and many fans are understandably refusing to believe the loss of the Los Angeles Lakers legend. Boston Celtics legend Bill Russell is one of the players who are pained by the Black Mamba’s sudden death.
He took to Twitter to express his deepest condolences to Bryant’s family. He extended his condolences to Kobe’s wife Vanessa and the rest of the family he left behind.
“Jeannine & I are absolutely shocked to hear of the loss of one of my favorite people & one of the best basketball minds in the history of the game!” the Hall of Fame center wrote. “Our hearts & prayers to Vanessa & his girls. You were my biggest fan, but I was yours.”
Bill Russell shared moments with Bryant after he retired and is one of the people whose lives Kobe touched personally. Russell was also impressed with what Kobe can do on the floor, saying that his competitive fire is what made him unique compared to the rest of the league.
“When I think about Kobe Bryant, I think about a young guy that played up to his ability,” Russell said, via Silver Screen & Roll. “You could maybe outplay him, but you could not outwork him. The great players, black or white — it doesn’t make any difference — they never take anything for granted.”
Bryant spent 20 years in the league, all of them with the Lakers. He finished with career averages of 25 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.7 assists, 1.4 steals, and 0.5 blocks a game. He won five NBA championships: three were in a duo with Shaquille O’Neal and two as the sole star. He was eligible to be elected to the Hall of Famer this year, and there’s no question that he’ll get the nod.
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