NBA 2K20 and Its Players Pay Tribute to Kobe Bryant

Basketball superstar Kobe Bryant died yesterday in a helicopter crash, alongside his daughter and seven other passengers. The sports world has been grieving and wrestling with this sudden loss, and in the virtual realm, fans are gathering to remember one of LA's greatest players.

This morning, NBA 2K20 players were greeted with an image memorializing Bryant, who played for two decades under the Los Angeles Lakers.

Elsewhere, 2K20 players are gathering in the game's shared spaces to pay their respects. In-game avatars, decked out in Lakers gear, are assembling in various areas to commemorate the loss.

Alongside memorials to Bryant's number and jersey, others are also honoring his daughter Gianna, who died in the crash as well.

Kobe appeared on a number of basketball games as a cover star, including his own series, Kobe Bryant in NBA Courtside. He's been playable in many basketball games since the start of his career in 1996 and well on past his retirement in 2016.

Bryant and his daughter died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California, on their way to a youth basketball practice. The legend faced controversy off the court with a sexual assault charge in 2003, which was dropped the following year. Bryant also supported a number of charities including his own, the Kobe & Vanessa Bryant Family Foundation. NBA superstars like Shaquille O'Neal, Magic Johnson, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar have been sharing their memories of Bryant throughout the day.

Lead image via Reddit user LoneKingjaj.