Stephen A. Smith reflects on Kobe Bryant's legacy | Get Up 

The saddest thing is that we had Kobe to ourselves for 20 years. It was his family's turn to have their dad back and for Kobe to enjoy the fruits of his labor. Then it ends just like that. Just sad. MAMBA FOREVER!

Just thinking about the way kobe tries to comfort his daughter that everything will be alright it’s just so devastating

Still unreal feels like he's still alive

Kobe Bryant had a great career and life, but him and Gigi were taken from us to soon, as well as the 7 others on the helicopter

Bro,I just realized we’ll never see Kobe’s hall of fame speech 😭......r.i.p. The Black Mamba,Kobe 💛💜...

“You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.”

I’m still in DISBELIEF. Kobe raised us kids who were born in 90s. I’ve never seen MJ’s greatness but Kobe was our Jordan. Kobe was everything for us. He left us too early. I’m still sad and this news has ruined my 2020. I feel like I lost a best friend, hero and an idol.

His daughter was his everything... He died with everything 😭😭

Losing kobe is like losing a big chunk of my childhood man.

This might be the saddest week in sports ever

Bro trying to imagine their last moments before the crash, the pain his family feels as they wake up this morning [if they even slept] is unfathomable.

I wish I could wake up and think this was a nightmare. Sad.

Never though I’d cry about someone I never met... Man, Kobe’s a legend

2016:CLEVELAND THIS IS FOR YOU! 2020:KOBE THIS IS FOR YOU!!!!

One of the most tragic times of our generation. Shockingly, feels like a personal family member died. Legend beyond!!

This mans mentality was too great for this world , he was going to do big things it's unfortunate we will never get to see what he had planned

As a Celtics fan if the Lakers won the chip this year I wouldn’t even be mad this is bigger than basketball.

Hearing Stephen A. these last couple days has been tough as well, cuz I’ve never heard him sound so sad.

Not even a month into the New Year and already it's worse than 2019

I cant man. Hard for me to sleep and waking up hoping it was just. A dream man. I cant still rn. Omg man

Didn't know 2020 could be worse than 2019

Part makes me really sad is knowing his daughter was on there too can't image final secs of them together it's just sad his daughter wanna be just like him was going be too this hurts alot!

Tragic. Beyond belief. Unreal. Sad. Depressing. Shocking. So many emotions all at once.

I was heartbroken at the news of Kobe’s passing only to find out at work that his daughter Gigi was with him and I am a lifelong lakers and kobe fan bout that broke me even more that his 13 year old daughter was with him and the fact he just had another child and has another little one and can’t imagine the pain that his other daughters and wife is feeling

Kobe I will never forget the good old days when my suns and the lakers were a great rivalry, Nash vs Kobe, it was always a pleasure to watch, even though Kobe would typically tear us apart, it was a pleasure to get to watch

Remember folks. Legends never die. His legacy lives in our hearts.

I sat in my truck for 30 plus minutes in tears,, I'm a Die-Hard Miami Heat fan but I always respected any player that loved the game,, this dude was married to the game.

I still can’t believe he’s gone. Miss you so much Kobe.😢😢😢😢

The reason the NBA didn’t cancel the games is because Kobe was lookin down on us and said “man don’t cancel the games let’s ball 😉” We miss ya kobe

This doesn’t feel right, I still can’t believe this is happening.

SAS looks like he aged 10 years. We all feel him.

Legends never die Kobe never pass ! We will remember you 😭

We’ll never get to hear his hall of fame speech man

Someone check on LeBron, Kyrie, and Giannis please 😪 LeBron hasn’t said a word since he found out, there was only footage of him crying when he left the team plane. He’s probably still coping with the loss of his friend and mentor 🙁 And Kyrie literally left the garden because of Kobe’s death he just couldn’t find the strength to play 🤕 And Giannis deleted all his social media accounts and has been dark ever since the incident 😔

I thought my Monday would start out normal but here I am still thinking bout the Bryant’s May y’all Rest In Peace🙏🏿

I may not have experienced the Michael Jordan era, but I did grow up watching players like Kobe Bryant, Baron Davis, Jason Richardson, Carmelo Anthony, Dwayne Wade, Dirk Nowitzki, Lebron and I can name so many more, growing up and looking up to these players and knowing that one of them is gone is so heartbreaking especially when its from something like a helicopter accident. Hearts and prayers go out to the people that lost their lives at this tragic incident. I'm hoping Lebron can win a championship with the Lakers this year. Do it for Kobe. - from a Warriors fan

man SAS has been on like 5-6 shows since yesterday right after the accident happened and he still looks depressed as ever.... this man has been crying since yesterday you can tell

Still saying "Kobe" with every shot I take😥

What Stephen said is 100% accurate. When I was 8 years old, Kobe saw me at Xmas time at a mall, I was wearing the basketball jersey of the team I played for, Kobe saw it and walked up to me, knelt down, and talked to me for ten minutes. We talked about basketball, but more importantly, he encouraged me to push myself in all things, even if it wasn't basketball. I take those words with me, and I will do my best to live up to the mamba mentality as I prepare for Vet school. Thanks for your time Kobe. You didn't have to do that, but you did and the ripples will live on.

Just sat and held my wife’s hand last night and wept. Prayers to his family, friends, teammates, etc. Godspeed Gianna and Kobe. Rest peacefully.

Kobe ✊🏽 Kobe ✊🏽 Kobe ✊🏽 Kobe ✊🏽 Kobeeeeee

Watching Kobe gave me some of the best memories in my life. It was an honor to witness the level of excellence that you lived by Kobe. You had a huge influence in my approach to life. The Mamba mentality lives within me and many fans across the world, so you will never be truly gone, nor forgotten. ❤️

Kobe is an example of sheer grit and incredible willpower. He showed us that if you work hard enough, if you fight, and sweat, and commit yourself with all your heart, you can and will reach your goals - defying the odds. That's exactly what he did. We'll always remember you Kobe!

Psalm 144:4 Man is like a breath; his days are like a passing shadow.

Ever since his death. I’ve felt like something/someone is missing in my life

Truly heartbreaking. Kobe was someone I looked up to. Loved his drive, his work ethic. Loved how that part of him continued after he left the court. The time and energy he poured into his family and his personal projects.

Stephen A explains things so perfectly.... Really helped

James 4:14 speaks volumes! “Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” ‭‭Appreciate your loved ones...

Kobe was the reason why I became a basketball fan

I’m tired of crying guys🥺🥺

Could not imagine those last few minutes, a parent, a feeling of helplessness with your little girl. His wife with the loss of a husband and a child. This is just heartbreaking 💔

Thank you, Kobe. Thank you for being a role model when I needed one the most. For teaching me that passion, hard work and determination will result is success. I applied that Mamba mentality to everything I do. And it works :) Thank you for speaking several languages, it made me learn English and Italian because I hoped one day, if I meet you, we could chat in both. It never happened but being trilingual made me more successful in my career. And, thank you for loving basketball as much as I did. It was my refuge during the hardest times of my life. I have spent nights up watching you play (time difference) and then imitating your moves in the practice the next day. I never ended up meeting you. And I can't stop these tears. I feel like I lost a mentor and a friend. To all of us - let's keep that passion alive. That focus, determination, drive for perfection and greatness. Let's use it towards the good in the world. Towards great things. Towards positive impact. That's the Mamba mentality. And he will live forever.

This so so devastating, I really appreciate what Steven Smith had to say.

I just want to say if you're reading this comment. Please, let's take Kobe's tragedy and stop dismissing, denigrating, and bashing on great players. None of this means anything if we cannot appreciate their talent. Tomorrow is never promised.

I know Kobe would right now say. I might not be with you guys physically, but spiritually I'm with you guys forever! Kobe thank you for the many memories. true legend one of the greatest of all time.

I think it's also so tragic because alot of us seen him join the NBA at such a young age, & we watched him grow up on the court in front of us, & become the man, the father, & the legend he is. 🙏🏀

2020 really Tearin evryone

Im sad that Kobe died this way but i am more sad for the 3 little girls that didnt have a chance to live their lives to fulfill their dreams...R.I.P GIANNA,ALYSSA and PAYTON!!!

He's the first person to say what I was thinking the past 24. I kept imagining his poor daughter scared out of her mind and him holding her. Such an awful way to go.

Just can't wrap my mind around this tragedy. Kobe!!!! Gigi!!! Mamba!!! Love

Tuesday will be emotional

Gigi was a prodigy... We we're robbed man

Kobe was my generations MJ especially being a Lakers fan. He was a icon and a legend and his passing is so abrupt that it reminded me this can happen to ANYONE at ANYTIME. Love your people ❤️

My 14 year old son remains devastated. He was his first sporting idol. I simply admired his class, brains and dignity. So sorry.

So surreal!! So unreal!! The only man that ever conquers me mentally.

R.I.P 8/24. One of the greatest players ever! 🏀 👑 🏆

He was a phenomenal dad. A great man. He will be missed by the masses

I don't even watch basketball and this shocked me. I never actually get upset when I hear of someone passing but he's one of the greats. I'm still shocked.

I was in high school at the time in 1996 when Kobe Bryant started playing for the NBA at 16 I watched and followed his career all his highs and lows including the championships to the Lakers plus representing the United States in basketball and bringing home gold medals long live the Black mamba mentality lives on forever

Kobe, we love you ❤ Rest In Peace.

I've been in tears since yesterday, going through social media on a tight rope to not stumble upon another post that'll have me tearing up. So hard to comprehend right now. This is literally equivalent to Princess Diana passing.

Kobe is still alive in our hearts

Legends never die.💔😔

So sorry to hear this my hart herts are prayers go out to the family

I never thought in the 40 years I have been alive that a celebrity death would grip me so much. Kobe was my favorite player on my favorite team but that wasn’t the only reason why I knew he was special. He taught me about a Nother level of work ethic recommend anyone that new basketball or studied Kobe new he was the definition of Hardwork makes greatness. And as incredibly sad as I am I can’t imagine how bad Vanessa and the three girls feel. I am so very sorry for everyone involved. Thank you so much for everything you gave us Kobe. Your legacy will live on forever. Rest in peace Kobe and Gigi.

Could hear it in Stephen A.'s voice. Not acting. Really touching.

I don't care what any other sports. I just want to hear and see stories and clips about kobe next weeks next months even next year.

Hoping Lakers wins it this year and we see Lebron yelling " Kobeeeeeeeeeee " " This if for you "

Miss you Kobe! Love from Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

I don’t think we’ve ever lost a sports legend of Kobe’s stature, like this.. I can’t remember a time ever... we’ve lost sports players before but they weren’t on the level that Kobe’s on.. this loss is on the same tier as when John Lennon, Tupac or Michael Jackson passed.. like complete shock over the whole world.

Breaks my heart. As father of a daughter I can see Kobe telling his little girl as he hugs her one last time telling her " It's going to be alright..."

What a sad day specially to sports fans...😢 Im sure Kobe was protecting and holding his daughter til the last second.❤ Sincerest condolences to all the victims.

There are a few rare & special people, born on a mission to achieve & lead like few others: Mozart, Lincoln, Patton, MLK Jr. JFK, Hendrix, John Lennon, Bob Marley, Robin Williams, Andy Irons... Kobe Bryant. While there are many more Greats, the unique gift shared by these gifted souls was how they lived with a singular mission. - Some carried the burden against the greatest of inhumanities. Others became the most inspiring of their craft. We need both. For in war and in peace we need inspiration and guidance. Something so valuable that Kobe shared with all the greats on this list is genuineness. The truly inspiring greats reach us by showing us their humanity. Kobe, whether on days he was winning of failing, did not live with pretense. He always showed us who he was. Through his efforts he also reflected to us who we could be if we do our best. . . Such Greats are a gift to us, to show us what is possible. Why they were taken, after their greatest battles had been won - yet before they could just live to enjoy the rest of life with us, we may never know. Kobe Bryant thrilled the world from the first moment he lifted off - doing the impossible by rising out of Jordan’s shadow. When he stepped on the court, we believed anything was possible - 81 ! Five rings is one of his greatest feats, especially coming in the Duncan, Wade, Nowitski, Iverson, Lebron, Kidd, Garnett, Pierce era. His light may have shown brightest when, with the Olympics and the true World Championship on the line, all the greats turned to Kobe - and he took it home for all of us. For so many of us, you are the MVP of an entire era. Kobe we were also there for all of your mistakes. You had to grow up under the world’s first virtual microscope. Through this you showed us what devotion to hard work and focus on personal growth can do. You showed us how to survive in this new world, for aren’t we all under the microscope during these times? Like the rest of us, you were flawed. More than most of us, you were at times perfect. For both of these reasons you are hero to millions, at least, world wide. Kobe, you thrilled us, taught us about work ethic, stoicism against doubt & pain, and the journey to learning to be a teammate. You grew from being the brash kid into being the man which a whole league men consider to be their big brother. Most of all, every time you stepped on the court, you made us believe that for you anything was possible. When you stepped off the court we also believed anything was possible. You took a light with you when you left the league, and simply went and won an Oscar two years later! Kobe, there so much more that you could have achieved, and your beautiful family you could have shared so much more life with. I just learned of your daughter, Gianna, we never had a chance to truly know her. Prayers for you both. What more you both would have shown your light upon, we will never know. Prayers for the flight mates, to whom you reached in generosity. May the family and friends and greater community find some light in their stories, to carry forth for what they could have been. God Bless you Kobe Bryant. Thank you for inspiring my dad as a young man. Thank you for inspiring me as I grew up. For you, in whatever goal we are facing, we will take the shot. We will never forget Black Mamba.

I can't imagine what Vanessa is going through, losing her beloved Kobe AND her daughter Gigi in one horrific moment! May God give Vanessa and their three other daughters the strength to endure!

Rest In Peace legend and his daughter. You will forever be missed ❤️

your a great man, player , mentor, motivator, father , husband , your the G.O.A.T ! , rest in peace idol !

His growth, dedication to the game and his family was so refreshing. God has gained many angels 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤

This feels like a bad dream that we can’t wake up from Kobe you will be missed you and your daughter were take too early never should have happened

Try to take some comfort knowing that the pilot was speaking casually to air control literally seconds before the crash. I just listened to it. They said ‘you’re too low’ then the impact and explosion was immediate. They didnt spin around thats a fake video. They drove straight into a mountain in heavy fog at almost 200mph. They new nothing about what happened.

Gone way too soon. Rest in peace Mamba!

All my prayers to Kobe's family and to all who loved him. 24, 8, #1 in our ♥️s.

Thank you ESPN and other channels that keep a steady stream of these reports and tributes right now... I've sat for hours on end just staring at these and still can't believe it... But it is the best thing right now to make any sense and come to grips with the new reality. Very heartfelt tributes too, on sudden notice. Respect and thank you.

Sad, sad day all over the world...

1:10 that’s the saddest part. That’s what I was thinking about

Choked up watching those videos of Kobe playing defence against GiGi. Its just so heartbreaking. Its still surreal.

I’m still crying. I can’t believe this

They should make a movie about his whole life

This hurt, kinda like when Steve Irwin randomly died...they was my childhood

A true Legend and Amazing Father ! Kobe and his Daughter will never be forgotten 🙏🏾

Blessed that Kobe gave so much to the world, Legends are forever. Love yours