Los Angeles Lakers players found out about Kobe Bryant’s tragic death on Sunday as they flew home from Philadelphia on a team plane.
Dwight Howard — the only player who had been a teammate of Bryant’s on the Lakers — began circulating the devastating news as soon as he found out, according to The Los Angeles Times.
Coach Frank Vogel then addressed the stunned pro-ballers.
“Everyone is in shock,” a team source told ESPN.
“Speechless on this plane ride home! A sad day bruh! RIP Kobe Bean Bryant!” tweeted Jared Dudley. “Prayers go to his family and loved ones 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 This doesn’t even feel real man..”
After the plane landed in Los Angeles from Bryant’s hometown of Philly, LeBron James was spotted in tears, hugging multiple people and walking with his head down.
On Saturday night, James passed Bryant with 33,655 points to become the third-highest scorer in NBA history.
Bryant, 41, retired in 2016 after leading the Lakers to five NBA championships and garnering All-Star Game selections in 18 of his 20 seasons.
He and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna were killed alongside seven others who died in the fiery crash in Southern California.


