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Kobe Bryant has died at the age of 41 in a helicopter crash. TMZ first reported the news that Bryant was traveling with three others in his private helicopter when it crashed in Calabasas, California. Yahoo Sports insider Chris Haynes verified the news, among others.
Can confirm legend Kobe Bryant has been tragically killed in an helicopter accident, sources told Yahoo Sports.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) January 26, 2020
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski later confirmed a report that Bryant’s daughter, Gianna, was on board as well. Gianna, 13, was known for attending Laker games with her famous father.
Sources: Kobe Bryant was on his way to a travel basketball game with his daughter Gianna when the helicopter crashed. Those aboard the helicopter also included another player and parent.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 26, 2020
Bryant played for the Los Angeles Lakers for his entire professional career, spanning from 1996 to 2016. During that time, he was a five-time NBA champion, two-time Finals MVP, an 18 time All-Star, four-time All-Star MVP, 11-time All-NBA First Team, two-time All-NBA Second Team, two-time All-NBA Third Team, nine-time All-Defensive First Team, and three-time All-Defensive Second Team. Additionally, he was NBA scoring champion twice and won the NBA Slam Dunk competition in 1997. He had numbers 8 and 24 retired by the Lakers, an unprecedented honor. Over the course of his career, Bryant logged 33,643 points, 7,047 rebounds, and 6,306 assists.
Bryant was noted for traveling to games via helicopter during his time with the Lakers.