Yahoo News Kobe Bryant tributes: Thousands of fans gather outside Staples Center as they mourn Lakers star's tragic death
Thousands of grief-stricken Kobe Bryant fans gathered outside the Staples Center in Los Angeles hours after the basketball star was killed in a helicopter crash.
The crowds met after Bryant, who played twenty seasons with the LA Lakers, died alongside his 13-year-old daughter Gianna.
Mourners gravitated to the stadium - the home of the Lakers - where they laid out memorials to the NBA legend.
Images showed swathes of supporters, many dressed in Bryant jerseys, huddled around flowers and candles laid out for him.
Some knelt in quiet reflection, with tear-filled eyes, as others embraced each other in the area surrounding the site, while Microsoft Square was packed with crowds.
The complex also hosted the Grammys, where a raft of tributes were paid to the late star.
Stars spoke of their shock, while some shed tears on the red carpet.
Crowds also gathered at LA Live in front of a mega screen with a smiling Bryant that read: "In Loving Memory of KOBE BRYANT 1978-2020."
He was joined by music stars like Alicia Keys, Kanye West, Taylor Swift, tennis players Novak Djokovic and Rafa Nadal as well as footballers Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar.
Photos also showed current Lakers players exiting the team plane shortly after the news of Bryant's death, with star Lebron James seen embracing those around him.
Bryant, 41, died alongside his daughter Gianna and seven others in the crash in Southern California.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver confirmed Bryant and his daughter were among those killed, and sent condolences to Bryant's wife, Vanessa.
He said: "He was one of the most extraordinary players in the history of our game, with accomplishments that are legendary."
A baseball coach along with his wife and daughter were also killed in the tragedy.
The helicopter crashed at about 10am on Sunday in Calabasas, about 30 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles.
