‘Thank you for everything! This one hurts.’ Local pro stars react to Kobe Bryant’s death
The news of Kobe Bryant’s death sent shock waves throughout the sports world.
Bryant died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas on Sunday. He was 41. Eight others including his daughter Gianna died in the crash.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr tweeted “No Way.”
Carr, the former Fresno State star, is a big-time Lakers supporter since he was a child. He idolized Bryant and has said that “Mamba mentality” is his mindset, a reference to the five-time NBA champion’s nickname.
Two other former Fresno State stars chimed in.
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Davante Adams, who was playing in the Pro Bowl, didn’t want to believe it.
Adams scored a touchdown at the Pro Bowl and honored Bryant signaling two and four with his fingers.
Los Angeles Clippers guard Paul George tweeted “quit playing.”
Quincy Pondexter, the former San Joaquin Memorial High star, competed many seasons against Bryant in the NBA.
“In true disbelief,” Pondexter told The Bee. “From idolizing him from afar, making it to the NBA was so I could have a chance to play against Kobe. My biggest hero ever. Prayers to his loved ones.”
Bryant’s NBA debut in Fresno
Bryant made his NBA debut in a preseason game against the Dallas Mavericks at Selland Arena in Fresno in 1996.
Fans chanted “K-O-B-E, K-O-B-E” when he first walked toward the scorer’s table with 7:49 left in the second quarter to the final buzzer,
Bryant was the focus of the fans every time he was on the court.
He scored 10 points in the Lakers’ 90-80 victory.
Carr went on Instagram and shared more thoughts.
“Thank you for everything!!! This one hurts,” he wrote.
This story was originally published January 26, 2020 at 1:02 PM.
