Magic Johnson Reacts to Kobe Bryant's Death: The 'Greatest Laker of All-Time is Gone'

Former Laker Magic Johnson took to social media to pay tribute to Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna, following their deaths on Sunday.
"As I try to write this post, my mind is racing," Johnson wrote. "I’m in disbelief and have been crying all morning over this devastating news that Kobe and his young daughter, Gigi have passed away in a helicopter crash. Cookie and I are heartbroken."
As I try to write this post, my mind is racing. I’m in disbelief and have been crying all morning over this devastating news that Kobe and his young daughter, Gigi have passed away in a helicopter crash. Cookie and I are heartbroken. pic.twitter.com/X2vF0M0a1u
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 26, 2020
In a series of tweets, Johnson reflected on his relationship with Bryant, calling him "the greatest Laker of all-time."
My friend, a legend, husband, father, son, brother, Oscar winner and greatest Laker of all-time is gone. It’s hard to accept. Kobe was a leader of our game, a mentor to both male and female players. pic.twitter.com/NXsrXmCkkG
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 26, 2020
Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, died in a plane crash in California on Sunday. They were reportedly on their way to a travel basketball game. A total of nine people were aboard the helicopter, according to LA County Sheriff Alex Villanueva.
"He was such an icon but also did so much for LA," Johnson wrote. "He was passionate about serving the homeless and was an advocate for women's basketball. Coaching his daughter’s basketball team brought him so much happiness."
My friend, a legend, husband, father, son, brother, Oscar winner and greatest Laker of all-time is gone. It’s hard to accept. Kobe was a leader of our game, a mentor to both male and female players. pic.twitter.com/NXsrXmCkkG
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 26, 2020
Johnson went on to detail that he will miss the conversations he had with Bryant "about Lakers basketball, being fathers and husbands and how much we loved Italy."
Kobe and I shared so many special conversations about life and basketball. We had so much in common off the court. I used to love talking to him about Lakers basketball, being fathers and husbands and how much we loved Italy. I will miss those conversations and him so much. pic.twitter.com/PIv7obzr2x
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 26, 2020
He gave his knowledge, time, and talent to tutor so many at the youth level, collegiate level, & NBA & WNBA players. Words can’t express the impact that he had on the game of basketball. I know basketball fans all over the world will miss him, especially the City of Los Angeles. pic.twitter.com/ZoB3Uwbvzk
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 26, 2020
Johnson also touched on how much Bryant means to the city of Los Angeles.
Laker Nation, the game of basketball & our city, will never be the same without Kobe. Cookie & I are praying for Vanessa, his beautiful daughters Natalia, Bianka & Capri, as well as his parents Joe & Pam & his sisters. We will always be here for the Bryant family. pic.twitter.com/WWxmtEAJqZ
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 26, 2020
He was such an icon but also did so much for LA. He was passionate about serving the homeless and was an advocate for women's basketball. Coaching his daughter’s basketball team brought him so much happiness.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 26, 2020
"I love him, his family and what he stood for on the court and off the court," Johnson wrote.
We love you forever. #8 #24🙏🏾❤️
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 26, 2020
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"