Friends, athletes and fans share their favorite Kobe Bryant stories

We are all still reeling from the death of NBA legend Kobe Bryant, as he and his 13-year old daughter, Gianna, along with seven others, died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, CA on Sunday morning.

Kobe’s legacy touched the hearts and lives of many, and as the world continues to mourn, many have shared their memories of Kobe on social media and beyond.

Here are some of those touching tributes — the best Mamba stories from those who knew him best, and those whose interactions were fleeting yet unforgettable, beginning with the great Magic Johnson:

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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. I love him, his family and what he stood for on the court and off the court. 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. He gave his knowledge, time, and talent to tutor so many at the youth level, collegiate level, and NBA and 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. 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. 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. Laker Nation, the game of basketball and our city, will never be the same without Kobe. Cookie and I are praying for Vanessa, his beautiful daughters Natalia, Bianka and Capri, as well as his parents Joe and Pam and his sisters. We will always be here for the Bryant family. We love you forever. ??❤️ #8 #24

A post shared by Earvin “Magic” Johnson (@magicjohnson) on Jan 26, 2020 at 2:38pm PST

Kobe was certainly one of the greatest to play the game, but that’s not what Laker great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar will remember most about him.

Most people will remember Kobe as the magnificent athlete who inspired a whole generation of basketball players. But I will always remember him as a man who was much more than an athlete. pic.twitter.com/9EZuwk8wrV

— Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (@kaj33) January 26, 2020

Philadelphia 76ers legend Allen Iverson was able to experience the ‘Mamba Mentality’ firsthand, and that memory will stick with him for a lifetime. Click the right arrow to read what AI had to say.

Sometimes, it’s the final interaction that sticks with us the most – this was the case for Atlanta Hawks’ star guard Trae Young.

Trae Young fought back tears as he spoke about the last conversation he had with Kobe.

He said Kobe told him he was proud of how much he’s seen his game progress, and to continue to be a role model for kids growing up and for Gigi. pic.twitter.com/fhus29cdN5

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 27, 2020

For Blake Griffin, Kobe was someone larger than life, and developing a relationship with him was something he’ll never forget.

#Pistons’ Blake Griffin, who teared up talking about Kobe, shared a great story here… pic.twitter.com/zLVGSBGNrg

— James Edwards III (@JLEdwardsIII) January 27, 2020

A basketball player, a friend and finally, a father. Cleveland Cavaliers Kevin Love knows Kobe will be remembered for each of his roles.

.@kevinlove remembers Kobe Bryant.
FULL: https://t.co/k4COVP3fxz pic.twitter.com/ZrRrGKBDm7

— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) January 27, 2020

From one great to another, Tiger Woods respects Kobe’s endless fire and competitive drive.

Tiger Woods reflects on the tragic passing of NBA legend Kobe Bryant. pic.twitter.com/t4F2Sqj57Z

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) January 26, 2020

Obama has the utmost respect for Kobe because of his strength and resilience – fighting through injury and still performing at the highest level.

‘One of the most competitive players I’ve ever seen’ — Watch President Obama share his adoration for Kobe Bryant over the years pic.twitter.com/3dPA1M3eyk

— NowThis (@nowthisnews) January 27, 2020

While never experiencing it firsthand, head coach John Beilein will forever associate Kobe with an unwavering work ethic.

.@JohnBeilein remembers Kobe Bryant.
FULL: https://t.co/5DhggzhP6K pic.twitter.com/ZRp6R4VHmV

— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) January 27, 2020

There’s nothing more special than being able to learn from one of the greatest to play. Lakers assistant coach Phil Handy remembers his experience with Kobe organizing the 1st Annual Mamba Invitational.

Kobe was known for a multitude of things. Former UFC champion Daniel Cormier explains that his greatest quality was “just being a genuine, nice guy.”

“I was so happy. I was so happy to have started to make a relationship with someone like that.”@dc_mma on his connection with Kobe Bryant, beginning with their first meeting at the 2004 Olympics (via @arielhelwani) pic.twitter.com/M0mKalNv8I

— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) January 27, 2020

Often the biggest moments aren’t the most memorable. For LA Times writer Arash Markazi, it wasn’t the stats that made Kobe great, but the man behind the numbers.

Everyone always talks about Kobe’s 81-point game or his 60-point finale but the story behind him scoring 62 points in 33 minutes and single-handedly outscoring a Dallas Mavericks team that would go on to play in the NBA Finals through three quarters is my favorite. pic.twitter.com/RZMjt0tkGc

— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) January 27, 2020

Sometimes, the only way you can describe someone is “the best.” And for ESPN writer Marc J. Spears, Kobe was “the best” – at everything he did.

Kobe Bryant wasn’t just another player I covered. He was simply the best. https://t.co/h2rWR6Nssg @TheUndefeated #Lakers #NBA

— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpearsESPN) January 27, 2020

Stay tuned for more updates …