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Tearful Doc Rivers, Tom Brady among those mourning Kobe Bryant

By Katie McInerney Globe Staff,Updated January 26, 2020, 9:26 p.m.
Kobe Bryant.AP/Associated Press

Kobe Bryant, Lakers legend, died Sunday in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, Calif. He was 41.

Condolences poured in upon the sports world hearing the news.

How the Celtics and Pelicans honored Kobe Bryant

Tara Sullivan: Kobe Bryant’s death doesn’t just stop us in our tracks. We can barely breathe

Doc Rivers, who coached against Bryant while with the Celtics, called the news devastating.

“He means a lot to me, obviously, he was such a great opponent ... it’s what you want in sports.”

Shaquille O’Neal, former teammate of Bryant’s, mourned the loss of his friend and Gianna.

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Former Patriot Lawyer Milloy shared a photo of Bryant from Saturday. His daughter played Bryant’s team in California.

View this post on Instagram

I took this pic yesterday of @kobebryant as his team was playing my daughters team. Met him @rsherman25 celebrity softball event a few years back @tmobilepark. Gave him a few pointers on how to hit. He was even kind enough to come say hi to my family. Special moment for me. Fast forward to yesterday, I was gonna go say hi but I was that upset parent that lost to him and his daughters team for first time in three matches. Figured I’d wait until today to say hi and congrats on the victory.... Sad I didn’t get the chance. Going to @mambasportsacademy Kobe’s shift from NBA stardom to giving back to his community and his family was vividly on display. He seemed to be relishing every moment. Thanks Kobe. May you Rest In Peace! #kobe #kobebryant #nba #rip #nba #ripkobe #ripkobebryant 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

A post shared by L A W Y E R • M I L L O Y (@lawyermilloy) on

And current Celtic Jayson Tatum posted a lengthy tribute to Bryant.

“The reason I started to play the game, the reason I fell in love with this game. Growing up wanting to be just like you, to you becoming my mentor, beyond thankful for everything you’ve done for me.”

Tom Brady shared an old photo of him and Bryant at a Lakers game.

A number of Celtics expressed incredulity at the news.

Marcus Smart:

Jayson Tatum:

Enes Kanter:

Carsen Edwards:

Vincent Poirier:

Grant Williams:

Tacko Fall:

When the news was confirmed, tributes poured in.

Former Celtics also chimed in about the news.

Cedric Maxwell:

Paul Pierce:

Kendrick Perkins:

Tony Allen:

And NBA stars around the league expressed their sadness.

The 76ers’ Joel Embiid credited watching Bryant with inspiring his career.

Dallas Mavericks’ Luka Doncic:

Cleveland Cavaliers’ Tristan Thompson:

Utah Jazz’s Rudy Gobert:

And some of Brady’s teammates shared their memories and appreciation.

Julian Edelman:

Sony Michel:

James White:

Ja’Whaun Bentley:

Duron Harmon:

Mavericks owner Mark Cuban shared a resonant message to his followers after Bryant’s death.

Katie McInerney can be reached at katie.mcinerney@globe.com. Follow her on Twitter at @k8tmac.

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