Sports world pays vibrant tribute to "legend" Kobe Bryant

• Ex-NBA star basketball player Kobe Bryant died on Sunday at the age of 41 after a helicopter crash.
• The announcement of his disappearance caused vibrant reactions, on basketball floors as on social networks.

The responsiveness and the power of the tributes of the sports world are this Sunday evening at the height of what symbolized Kobe Bryant, who died at 41 years in a helicopter accident on the heights of Los Angeles. The basketball games of the day are thus deeply marked by this tragic disappearance.

First in the NBA, the Spurs and Raptors did not play their first two 24-second ball possessions, in reference to the most famous number 24 in the history of the League. The emotion is just as strong in Tel Aviv (Israel), where Maccabi supporters chanted the name of Kobe Bryant before the start of a championship meeting.

In tribute to Kobe, the Raptors and Spurs go after 24 seconds. 🙌 pic.twitter.com/FgjtzsNjFw

Kobe Bryant Memorial at the Tel Aviv Derby between Maccabi & Hapoel. pic.twitter.com/1bo4cxZcFG

On social networks, it is impossible to list all the messages left by immense sportsmen shocked by the news. Starting with Tony Parker, who has long rubbed shoulders with Kobe Bryant in fierce Spurs-Lakers battles in the NBA play-offs. "The broken heart", the former playmaker of the Blues speaks to "a true legend and a friend". Another French basketball player, Evan Fournier, does not want to believe in the disappearance of one of the greatest champions in the history of the sport.

I'm heartbroken by this news, you were a true legend, and friend. Rest In Peace @kobebryant, my thoughts and prayers to his wife and kids. #legend #mamba #goat pic.twitter.com/1VKYdbrVEk

Nah man this cant be true

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who, long before Kobe Bryant, carried the franchise of the Lakers, posted him a video full of emotion, explaining how the "Black Mamba" had "inspired an entire generation".

Most people will remember Kobe as the magnificent athlete who inspired a whole generation of basketball players. But I will always remember him as a man who was much more than an athlete. pic.twitter.com/9EZuwk8wrV

A generation of which Joel Embiid is clearly a member. “I started playing basketball thanks to Kobe after watching the 2010 final, says the current Sixers star pivot. This finale was the turning point in my life. I wanted to be like Kobe. "

Man I don't even know where to start😭😭 I started playing ball because of KOBE after watching the 2010 finals. I had never watched ball before that and that finals was the turning point of my life. I WANTED TO BE LIKE KOBE. I'm so FREAKING SAD right now !!!!

RIP LEGEND

But as Neymar's 24th celebration after his goal in Lille on Sunday proved, the aura of Kobe Bryant goes far beyond the world of basketball.

Neymar paid tribute to Kobe Bryant after his goal against Lille ... 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/vPffJrKjty

I can't believe that my hero and friend is gone too soon. I'm numb. pic.twitter.com/VOZtxqfvJA

The famous rapper and actor Ice Cube said he was "paralyzed" after the death of his "hero and friend". A "hero" with a tragic fate.

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