Amid the tragic passing of Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, USA Basketball released a statement regarding the tragedy.

“USA Basketball has lost a real champion,” the statement from USA Basketball started. “Women's sports has lost one of their strongest advocates. Professional sports has lost a true legend who used his stature to make a difference in the world.

“Kobe viewed our women's athletes as role models for his daughter Gigi, for whom we are also grieving. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, Vanessa, the rest of his family and the families of those who also were lost today.”

Bryant, who was involved in a helicopter crash on Sunday in Calabasas, is considered by many to be one of the greatest players in NBA history. The incident also took the lives of Bryant's 13-year-old daughter Gianna as well as seven other people.

The helicopter was on its way to a travel basketball game prior to the incident.

USA Basketball, which is currently in the midst of a USA Women's National Tour, was an integral part of Bryant's legendary career. The former Lakers superstar won two gold medals in the 2008 and 2012 Olympic games for the U.S. men's team.

Kobe Bryant was also a big advocate for women's basketball and the impact they had on the sport of basketball as a whole. The Lakers legend is survived by his wife Vanessa and his three daughters Natalia, Bianca and Capri.