The shocking death of Kobe Bryant, his daughter and the other seven victims on Sunday has shaken loved ones and fans alike.
From Jimmy Fallon's tearful dedication to Bryant to a mural of Bryant on a basketball court in the Philippines, here are some of the best tributes to the late NBA star.
1. LeBron James' message to his late friend:
LeBron James, who considered Bryant a brother, took to Instagram on Monday to express his grief. "I'm Not Ready but here I go," the caption read, accompanied by a series of images of the two basketball stars, as Blavity previously reported.
2. Jimmy Fallon's emotional speech:
Jimmy Fallon was moved to tears as he shared a tribute to Bryant on his show, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. The two met early in their careers and bonded over the fact that they were new residents of Los Angeles. Later on, they would bond over parenting mistakes they both made, reports Rolling Out.
To date, the video is trending on YouTube and has garnered 3.3 million views.
3. Italy's week-long honor of Bryant:
Bryant's legacy will be honored in Italy, where he spent a significant part of his childhood. According to Giovanni Petrucci, president of the Italian Basketball Federation, a moment of silence will be dedicated to the star during all games played this week, reports CBS.
"A small but heartfelt and dutiful gesture to honor the life and memory of Kobe Bryant, absolute champion who has always had Italy in his heart," Petrucci stated in a statement translated from Italian.
Bryant lived in Italy from the ages of 6 to 13 while his father Joe "Jellybean" Bryant played professional basketball there.
"Clearly the news shocked everyone because it came unexpected, but also because he was a man who gives you the sensation (which is wrong) that he is invulnerable. You never expect it from someone his age, even less so from a man like him," Kobe's former coach Andrea Menozzi told Italy's RAI TV.
Menozzi coached Bryant while he attended the San Vincenzo school in Reggio Emilia.
4. An anecdote about Bryant being a #GirlDad:
ESPN anchor Elle Duncan also shared her fond memories of the basketball legend on SportsCenter. Having only met him once, she recalled her quest to get a picture with Bryant because she was star-struck.
The Kobe story Elle Duncan shared on Sportscenter was so heartfelt and heartbreaking, more people need to see it.
"The only small source of comfort for me, is knowing that he died doing what he loved the most: being a dad. Being a girl dad."@elleduncanESPN
#RIPGigi
#RIPKobe
pic.twitter.com/a2GpkY2Eb4— Gian Cruz (@gianorama) January 28, 2020
5. Murals from around the globe:
Tributes have come in other forms. Venice, California-based muralist Jules "Muckrock" Muck was tasked with requests to memorialize the star and his daughter, Gianna, reports Daily News.
Despite her emotional state, Muck picked a spot along Pickford Street in Los Angeles and created a moving piece of art.
"I was really upset while I was painting, fighting back tears especially the ‘Daddy’s Girl Banner.' It just meant a lot to me. My dad was ill and so their death just hit me, and I knew I definitely wanted to mention (Gigi)," Muck explained.
"I just thought it was amazing for someone to take the time to do this, and do it so fast. Most other places it’s all about Kobe, but this one is really about family," Patty Ramirez, a Bryant fan, said. She traveled from Ventura City to see the mural in person.
Fans in Manila, Philippines, have also shown support by showcasing a mural. Residents of the Tenement housing complex in Taguig and artists have collaborated to produce a series of black and white images — one of which includes Kobe and Gianna, reports ESPN.
"This is our tribute to them. We will always love you, Kobe Bryant, " said Eddie Barbuena, coach of the Tenement's basketball team.
"We will continue to mourn the loss, but more important is that we make sure the legacy of Kobe Bryant and Gianna Bryant lives in our hearts forever. Philippines, our infatuation with basketball is unmatched and we know how much Kobe enjoyed coming to this country. This is the least we can do at the Tenement to let the world know much you mean to us Kobe," Mike Swift posted on Instagram. Swift assisted in the organization for the murals done at the Tenement.
6. New Yorkers' renaming of a Subway stop:
New Yorkers got creative per usual and made a makeshift memorial renaming the popular Bryant Park subway station sign to "Kobe Bryant Park."
New Yorkers changed the Bryant Park subway station sign to “Kobe Bryant Park” pic.twitter.com/VdMLh1sf91
— Alexis Benveniste (@apbenven) January 27, 2020
7. This artist's tribute to Kobe and Gianna:
A viral drawing posted to Instagram by an artist who goes by Kode depicts Kobe and his daughter, Gianna, entering heaven as they stand in front of a basketball court, both wearing their jerseys. Gianna was a rising basketball star looking to continue her father's legacy.
Those who perished in the tragedy will be in the hearts of loved ones and admirers for many years to come.
