A huge crowd of fans have gathered at the Staple’s Center in Los Angeles, to pay tribute to Los Angeles Laker’s star Kobe Bryant, after the 41-year-old NBA legend was killed in a helicopter crash.
In several photos, obtained by The Blast, you can see the huge group of fans gathered around a tribute put together and placed in from of the Laker’s home arena. Purple, gold and white flowers are being placed in the area surrounding by messages and tributes to him.
A remembrance of Kobe Bryant has also been displayed on all of the big electronic billboard at the L.A. Live Plaza which surrounds Staples Center.
Several videos from the scene, shows fans setting wreaths and flowers onto the sidewalk at Staple’s. One read, “R.I.P Kobe Bryant.”
Law enforcement officers have had to start building additional security measures because this is the same location where the Grammy Awards will be held later this afternoon.
The growing makeshift memorial for Kobe Bryant outside of the Staples Center in Los Angeles. https://t.co/kyhtRc9m38
(Photo: @tylerkingkade) pic.twitter.com/fMPnA8BeRe
— NBC News (@NBCNews) January 26, 2020
The Los Angeles Police Department is asking fans not to descend on Staple’s Center because of the Awards, saying, “As a reminder, the area around the Staples Center is closed due to the Grammys & fans will not be able to access the arena.”
As we reported, Kobe Bryant was killed in a helicopter crash in the Calabasas area of Los Angeles. Bryant’s 13-year-old daughter Gianna was also killed in the accident.
According to reports, Kobe and Gianna were headed to a basketball practice at the Mamba Academy, which is located at nearby Thousand Oaks. The chopper went down around 10 am PT, and appeared to be in a foggy area of the Los Angeles foothills.
Heartbreak at the Staples Center as fans gather to remember one of the greatest athletes of all time. Rest In Peace Kobe Bryant. #RIPMamba #Kobe pic.twitter.com/QYgro4NQ4S
— Gadi Schwartz (@GadiNBC) January 26, 2020
Celebrities, athletes and fans are posting tributes to the NBA legend on social media.
NFL legend Tom Brady took to Twitter, saying, “We miss you already Kobe.”
President Donald Trump addressed the situation, “Reports are that basketball great Kobe Bryant and three others have been killed in a helicopter crash in California,” He added, “That is terrible news!”
Justin Bieber posted on Instagram, “It can’t be. You always encouraged me mamba. Gave me some of the best quotes that we smile about to this day.! Love you man!”
Also, actress Reese Witherspoon tweeted, “Just devastated to hear about #KobeBryant .?An extraordinary athlete, and a genuinely kind, wonderful man. Sending love, prayers & compassion to his family. To his entire @NBA family as well.”
