Michael Jordan Mourns Kobe Bryant's Passing: 'He Was Like A Brother To Me'

Michael Jordan shared his grief following the unexpected passing of Kobe Bryant.

Jordan, through a post by Shams Canaria of the Athletic, expressed in a statement the extreme sorrow he feels after losing someone whom he said was “a little brother” to him.

“I am in shock over the tragic news of Kobe’s and Gianna’s passing. Words can’t describe the pain I’m feeling. I loved Kobe – he was like a little brother to me. We used to talk often, and I will miss those conversations very much. He was a fierce competitor, one of the greats of the game and a creative force. Kobe was also an amazing dad who loved his family deeply – and took great pride in his daughter’s love for the game of basketball. Yvette joins me in sending my deepest condolences to Vanessa, the Lakers organization and basketball fans around the world,” Michael Jordan said.

Kobe Bryant died in a helicopter crash Sunday in California. He was 41. According to reports, the basketball icon was on board an S-76 helicopter that crashed into the hills at Calabasas. Bryant was traveling with his 13-year-old daughter Gigi who was also declared dead.

As of the latest update, seven others are also said to be killed in the accident.

Tributes and prayers poured in for the sudden departure of Bryant who is considered as one of the most influential figures in Sports.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver released a statement and said, “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. 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. He was generous with the wisdom he acquired and saw it as his mission to share it with future generations of players, taking special delight in passing down his love of the game to Gianna.”

Over the years, Bryant has always been linked in the same discussion as Jordan in the Greatest of All Time debate. And strangely, his passing came less than 24 hours after fellow basketball great LeBron James took his place for the third spot in the NBA All-Time Scoring list.

The former Lakers star congratulated James in a tweet, “ Continuing to move the game forward @KingJames. Much respect my brother.”