Fans Gather Outside Staples Center to Honor Kobe Bryant

Following the news Sunday of Kobe Bryant's sudden death, fans started gathering outside of the Staples Center to honor the Lakers legend.

Following the news Sunday of Kobe Bryant's sudden death at the age of 41, fans started gathering outside of the Staples Center to honor the late Lakers legend. 

pic.twitter.com/rFSgXtZDz0

— Chiney Ogwumike (@chiney) January 26, 2020

A growing crowd at a memorial for #KobeBryant outside in Staples Center. @KTLA pic.twitter.com/nsb79I73wc

— Chris Gierowski (@tepall14) January 26, 2020

pic.twitter.com/Y67GVJ38Sh

— Chiney Ogwumike (@chiney) January 26, 2020

Fans remember Kobe Bryant outside Staples Center https://t.co/79SpqZaB9p

— ESPN Los Angeles (@ESPNLosAngeles) January 26, 2020

Just surreal at Staples Center - Kobe’s face on every screen as hundreds of people seem to just want to be somewhere they can cry together. Also: The Grammys are here tonight so there is the odd person wandering around in a tuxedo.
None of this feels real. pic.twitter.com/esukv1yNZs

— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) January 26, 2020

TMZ was the first to report that Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, were among those on the helicopter when it went down in the hills of Calabasas and a fire broke out. The crash occurred around 10 a.m., and the fire made it difficult for firefighters and emergency personnel to get to the aircraft, according to the Los Angeles Times.

LA County Sheriff Alex Villanueva told reporters that nine people were on board the aircraft—the pilot plus eight people.

Los Angeles mayor Eric Garcetti addressed his death of Bryant, saying in a statement, “He will live forever in the heart of Los Angeles, and will be remembered through the ages as one of our greatest heroes.”

On top of the gathering at the Staples Center, news of Bryant's death sent waves of shock over the sports world. 

The Staples Center is hosting the Grammy's on Sunday night. 

More Coverage of Kobe Bryant's Death:

• Kobe Bryant, Daughter Die in California Helicopter Crash
• For the Bryant Family, An Unimaginable Loss
• Kobe Bryant Left His Mark as a Generational Hero
• Sports World Reacts to Kobe Bryant's Sudden Death
• Remembering Kobe Bryant: Sports Illustrated Covers Through the Years
• Spurs-Raptors Open Game With Shot Clock Violations to Honor Kobe
  
• Shaq Reflects on Kobe's Passing: "There’s No Words to Express the Pain"