The news of Kobe Bryant's death is still shaking the world. The Lakers legend was killed in a helicopter crash on Sunday alongside his daughter, Gianna. Accordingly, the sports world has been grieving.
Fellow Lakers legend Magic Johnson knows how precious life is given he was diagnosed with HIV in 1991. Thankfully, Magic is still with us today.
In a series of tweets, Magic looked back with a somber tone on Kobe Bryant's life and their relationship. As Magic stated via the tweets, the city of Los Angeles will never be the same:
As I try to write this post, my mind is racing. I’m in disbelief and have been crying all morning over this devastating news that Kobe and his young daughter, Gigi have passed away in a helicopter crash. Cookie and I are heartbroken. pic.twitter.com/X2vF0M0a1u
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 26, 2020
I love him, his family and what he stood for on the court and off the court.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 26, 2020
My friend, a legend, husband, father, son, brother, Oscar winner and greatest Laker of all-time is gone. It’s hard to accept. Kobe was a leader of our game, a mentor to both male and female players. pic.twitter.com/NXsrXmCkkG
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 26, 2020
He gave his knowledge, time, and talent to tutor so many at the youth level, collegiate level, & NBA & WNBA players. Words can’t express the impact that he had on the game of basketball. I know basketball fans all over the world will miss him, especially the City of Los Angeles. pic.twitter.com/ZoB3Uwbvzk
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 26, 2020
He was such an icon but also did so much for LA. He was passionate about serving the homeless and was an advocate for women's basketball. Coaching his daughter’s basketball team brought him so much happiness.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 26, 2020
Kobe and I shared so many special conversations about life and basketball. We had so much in common off the court. I used to love talking to him about Lakers basketball, being fathers and husbands and how much we loved Italy. I will miss those conversations and him so much. pic.twitter.com/PIv7obzr2x
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 26, 2020
Laker Nation, the game of basketball & our city, will never be the same without Kobe. Cookie & I are praying for Vanessa, his beautiful daughters Natalia, Bianka & Capri, as well as his parents Joe & Pam & his sisters. We will always be here for the Bryant family. pic.twitter.com/WWxmtEAJqZ
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 26, 2020
We love you forever. #8 #24🙏🏾❤️
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 26, 2020
Magic Johnson arguably is the greatest Laker of all time, but his crowning of Kobe Bryant as the greatest is fair regardless of the circumstances. Nevertheless, the news of Bryant's death will shake Magic, Lakers Nation, and the sports world for some time.
Magic willingly ushered Bryant in to take his place as the new face of the Lakers. Bryant, a five-time NBA champion, just recently watched as LeBron James passed him for third all-time on the NBA's scoring list. Just as Magic did for Kobe, Bryant was doing for James.
The news of Bryant's death is not only a reminder of how precious life is, but it's also cruel reminder that it can be taken away in an instant no matter your race, creed, status or wealth.
Kobe Bryant was 41 years old at the time of his passing. A legend, gone entirely too soon. He will be missed.
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