'The World Lost A Legend': Philly Athletes React To Kobe's Death

PHILADELPHIA, PA — The Philadelphia community is in mourning following the Sunday death of NBA great Kobe Bryant, who died in a helicopter crash in California alongside his 13-year-old daughter.

Bryant, a Philadelphia area native, entered the NBA straight out of graduating from Lower Merion High School in Ardmore. As a Laker, he won five NBA titles.

RELATED: Kobe Bryant, Daughter, 7 Others Killed In Helicopter Crash

The night before his death, Laker player LeBron James passed him for third place on the NBA's all-time scoring list during a game in Philadelphia against the 76ers. His last tweet was a congratulations to James. "Continuing to move the game forward," Bryant tweeted at James Friday evening.

NBA players from across the league reacted to the news with shock and sadness. Joel Embiid, 76ers center, said he started playing basketball because of Kobe.

"I WANTED TO BE LIKE KOBE. I’m so FREAKING SAD right now!!!! RIP LEGEND," he wrote in an Instagram post that was liked more than 475,000 times.

Ben Simmons on Instagram shared a photo of Bryant, writing: "The world lost a legend today. Kobe Bryant was someone who I looked up to, a fierce competitor, a Champion an icon. His dominance and relentless spirit translated both on and off the court."

Tobias Harris also shared a picture, with just five words: "Hurting. To say the least."

The 76ers released an official statement on behalf of the team, saying he "made an everlasting mark on our league."

The statement went on to say:

"Bryant’s journey to icon status in the world of basketball included deep ties to the Philadelphia region, where he starred at Lower Merion High School from 1992-96. As he honed his craft in Philadelphia, Bryant established a reputation as a player with once-in-a-lifetime poise, grit, heart and an unwavering love of the game.

While his imprint on the game of basketball will be etched in the history books forever, Bryant will also be remembered for his love of his family, commitment to community through his philanthropic work, and for being an innovative leader in business."

It wasn't just basketball players who were saddened by the news. Several players on the Eagles wrote tributes to Bryant on social media. Malcolm Jenkins wrote: "There will never be another. Well done king, well done."

The Eagles franchise released a statement, saying they were shocked.

"He was a champion for the ages," it said.

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