(CNN) — Earvin “Magic” Johnson remembered his fellow Lakers legend Kobe Bryant in a series of tweets today.
Bryant’s death on Sunday shocked the world as it was revealed that the retired basketball star died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California. His 13-year-old daughter Gianna Maria Onore Bryant was also killed, a source with knowledge of the situation told CNN.
Johnson posted eight tweets to honor Bryant’s legacy on and off the court.
“As I try to write this post, my mind is racing,” Johnson said in a tweet. “I’m in disbelief and have been crying all morning over this devastating news that Kobe and his young daughter, Gigi have passed away.”
Johnson went on in another tweet to remember Bryant as a “friend, a legend, husband, father, son, brother, Oscar winner, and greatest Laker of all-time.”
“Words can’t express the impact that he had on the game of basketball,” Johnson said his next tweet, noting the time and talent Bryant spared to mentor younger players.
“He was such an icon but also did so much for LA. He was passionate about serving the homeless and was an advocate for women’s basketball. Coaching his daughter’s basketball team brought him so much happiness,” Johnson tweeted.
Along with two pictures that showed the two basketball legends smiling brightly, Johnson wrote that he would miss the conversations he and Bryant shared about “Lakers basketball, being fathers and husbands and how much we loved Italy.”
Johnson, who helped the Lakers win five NBA championships in the 1980s, ended his tribute saying that he and his family would “always be here for the Bryant family.”
“We love you forever. #8 and #24,” Johnson concluded.
My friend, a legend, husband, father, son, brother, Oscar winner and greatest Laker of all-time is gone. It’s hard to accept. Kobe was a leader of our game, a mentor to both male and female players. pic.twitter.com/NXsrXmCkkG
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 26, 2020
He gave his knowledge, time, and talent to tutor so many at the youth level, collegiate level, & NBA & WNBA players. Words can’t express the impact that he had on the game of basketball. I know basketball fans all over the world will miss him, especially the City of Los Angeles. pic.twitter.com/ZoB3Uwbvzk
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 26, 2020
Kobe and I shared so many special conversations about life and basketball. We had so much in common off the court. I used to love talking to him about Lakers basketball, being fathers and husbands and how much we loved Italy. I will miss those conversations and him so much. pic.twitter.com/PIv7obzr2x
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 26, 2020
Laker Nation, the game of basketball & our city, will never be the same without Kobe. Cookie & I are praying for Vanessa, his beautiful daughters Natalia, Bianka & Capri, as well as his parents Joe & Pam & his sisters. We will always be here for the Bryant family. pic.twitter.com/WWxmtEAJqZ
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 26, 2020
