The Los Angeles Lakers have released an official statement on the death of NBA icon Kobe Bryant.
The 41-year-old was one of nine people, including his 13-year-old daughter Gianna, whose lives were claimed in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California on Sunday.
Their game against the LA Clippers at Staples Center on Tuesday night (Wednesday morning UK) has been postponed.
The Lakers said: “In consultation with the NBA League office, the game scheduled between the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers for Tuesday, January 28 will be postponed and scheduled for a future date.
“The Los Angeles Lakers would like to thank all of you for the tremendous outpouring of support and condolences.
“This is a very difficult time for all of us. We continue to support the Bryant family and will share more information as it is available.”
Bryant spent all 20 years of his career in the NBA with the Lakers, winning five championships, two Finals MVP awards and having his No 8 and No 24 jerseys retired at Staples.
He is also the fourth highest-scoring player in the history of the league, having long been third until he was overtaken by LeBron James last week.
“The National Basketball Association game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the LA Clippers scheduled for Tuesday. Jan 28 at Staples Center has been postponed,” a league statement read on the cancellation of the Lakers vs Clippers.
“The decision was made out of respect for the Lakers organisation, which is deeply grieving the tragic loss of Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna and seven other people in a helicopter crash on Sunday. The game will be rescheduled at a later date.”
On Sunday, upon hearing the news of Kobe’s tragic passing, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said: “The NBA family is devastated by the tragic passing of Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna.
“For 20 seasons, Kobe showed us what is possible when remarkable talent blends with an absolute devotion to winning.
“He was one of the most extraordinary players in the history of our game with accomplishments that are legendary: five NBA championships, an NBA MVP award, 18 NBA All-Stars selections, and two Olympic gold medals.
“But he will be remembered most for inspiring people around the world to pick up a basketball and compete to the very best of their ability.
“We send our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Vanessa, and their family, the Lakers organisation and the entire sports world.”
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