This may be a time for mourning for the millions of people who admired Kobe Bryant, but dealers and scam artists see the Los Angeles Lakers' death as an opportunity to cash in. Shaquille O'Neal's son Shareef O'Neal even sent out a tweet asking for L.A. to shut down for a day in order to have a parade dedicated to the NBA legend make its way through the city just to show just how important the basketball star's legacy was to the world. While we wait to see if that will actually happen in the future, there are a select few who are scheming to make big bucks off of Bryant's tragic death.
Unsurprisingly, people are looking to collect Bryant memorabilia, but if you're hoping to hold on to a piece of Kobe Bryant's history, be prepared to dish out some serious cash to reputable dealers. According to a report by TMZ, diehard fans are more than willing to pay anywhere between 2x to 20x the prices listed prior to the basketball star's death.
"For example, a game-worn and signed Kobe jersey from the 2004-2005 season was expected to hit $6,000 before his death," TMZ wrote in their report. "But pre-bidders have already bumped the price to a starting $6,500 and the auction still runs for another month!" The outlet added that there is a high-end dealer who had an "extremely rare" basketball card of Bryant's, and while it was initially expected to sell for approximately $2,500, it went for almost $50K.
Aside from the dramatic increase in the prices for memorabilia, there are scammers who are pushing out forgeries and fakes. Online auctions are especially vulnerable to these types of scams that allegedly sell items that feature fake autographs and signatures. The Washington Post advised shoppers to avoid unfamiliar shopping sites and to not feel pressured into making purchases too quickly. If people are trying to rush you into a transaction, it's likely a scam. The publication also states to use credit, not debit, and to always check an online site's security settings.
Watch a few reports below.
Metta World Peace Toasts To Kobe Bryant At 8:24 P.M., Buys Restaurant Round Of Drinks
He thought he would go out for a drink and share a moment with a few dozen strangers.
There have been many tears shed across the globe over the tragic death of Kobe Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter Gianna Maria-Onore Bryant, and their seven friends. The group of nine were killed in a helicopter accident while on their way to the Mamba Sports Academy on Sunday (January 26), and since that time family, friends, and fans of those who lost their lives continue their attempt to reconcile their disbelief while grieving the loss of loved ones.
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You can’t turn on any form of media without being confronted with the news about Kobe Bryant’s death, but even with the somber reports and memories shared by those who were close to him—and those who are grieving the loss of the others involved in the harrowing incident—there are also a select few who want to take this opportunity to help put smiles on the faces of others.
Funny Kobe clips are being circulated throughout social media showing off the NBA legend’s goofy side, and there’s even a chuckle-worthy story about how he made the entire Los Angeles Lakers team take off their Kobe sneakers after a loss because they were playing soft.Metta World Peace, formerly known as Ron Artest, played alongside Kobe in their Lakers glory days and he decided to share a moment with dozens of strangers while out at a restaurant.
In a clip being shared around social media, Metta buys the entire restaurant a round of drinks before sharing a quick word about his fallen friend at 8:24 p.m. “I don’t know if you’re from here or not,” Metta began. “I was his teammate and I decided to call my friend Pete and [go for a drink]. I just thought it’d be a great thing to share this moment with us because it hurt a lot of people so, cheers to Kobe.” Everyone lifted their glass for the basketball icon and those who lost their lives in the tragic accident. Check it out below.
BBC Issues Apology After Airing LeBron James Clip During Kobe Bryant Report
They called it a "human error."
After news broke that 41-year-old basketball icon Kobe Bryant was killed in a helicopter crash along with his 13-year-old daughter Gianna Maria-Onore Bryant and seven others, publications scrambled to report about the accident. There was misinformation being tossed about, rumors ran rampant, and TMZ was even scolded by the police for sharing the news before authorities were able to contact the loved ones of the deceased. However, only the BBC, or the British Broadcasting Corporation, mixed up their basketball stars as they shared a video clip of LeBron James while reporting on Kobe Bryant's death.
Harry How / Staff / Getty Images
BuzzFeed's deputy world news editor, Matthew Champion, tweeted the clip of the segment and wrote in the caption, "I genuinely cannot believe that the actual BBC News at 10 just did this." Champion's tweet brought in tens of thousands of likes and retweets, prompting BBC editor Paul Royall to issue an apology Twitter.
"In tonight’s coverage of the death of Kobe Bryant on #BBCNewsTen we mistakenly used pictures of LeBron James in one section of the report," Ryall wrote. "We apologise for this human error which fell below our usual standards on the programme." The "human error" excuse wasn't good enough for some, so take a look at the clip for yourself and let us know if it was just a careless mistake made by the BBC.
Ellen DeGeneres Sheds Tears During Kobe Bryant Tribute: "Celebrate Life"
Kobe Bryant is dearly missed.
This week has been a difficult one for many around the globe since Kobe Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter and seven other passengers died when their helicopter crashed in the hills of Calabasas. Kobe and Gianna were on their way to basketball practice when their lives were taken so suddenly and people around the world have shed tears and mourned the loss of the athlete that inspired many.
Kevin Winter/Getty Images
To this day famous faces and family members have shared sweet words about the fallen star and the latest to do so is Ellen DeGeneres. The talk show host had her 62nd birthday on Sunday and initially planned to have her self-titled talk show revolve around her born day but when she found out about the accident “everything changed in a second.” In the clip below you can see Ellen addressing her audience on the sudden death of Kobe. She gets quite emotional when advising everyone watching to simply show love to those they care for and “celebrate life.”
“If you haven’t told someone you love ‘em, do it now…And be nice to people at the DMV. They’re people, too,” she added.
Watch in full below.
Kobe Bryant Spent Saturday On Daddy-Daughter Date With 3-Year-Old Bianka Bryant
A beautiful memory.
The last moments for the nine people who lost their lives in the Calabasas helicopter crash is something that no one could imagine. Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna Maria-Onore “GiGi” Bryant were killed in the accident along with John Altobelli, Keri Altobelli, Alyssa Altobelli, Sarah Chester, 13-year-old Payton Chester, Christina Mauser, and pilot Ara Zobayan. As devastating as this news continues to be for a world mourning an icon, it’s reported that Kobe’s last hours were spent with his daughters.
It was previously reported that on Sunday (January 26) morning, prior to boarding the helicopter with his daughter and seven others—which was headed to the Mamba Sports Academy in nearby Thousand Oaks, California—Kobe and Gianna went to church together. According to The Daily Mail, the father-daughter duo attended “Catholic Mass and received Communion at the Cathedral of Our Lady Queen of the Angels in Newport Beach.”
TMZ now reports that the day prior on Saturday (January 25), Kobe spent the late afternoon with his three-year-old daughter Bianka Bryant enjoying the simpler things life has to offer as they strolled around Newport Beach’s Fashion Island Mall. The pair were captured on camera as Kobe watched his toddler admire the koi pond (you can check out that brief clip here). It’s reported that the Bryant family frequently visited the Fashion Island Mall and that it was a normal occurrence to see the icon with his girls at many of the Orange County city’s local establishments. Scroll through a few of Kobe’s family photos and videos from his Instagram account below.
Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez, Amber Rose, & Trina Send Love & Prayers To Vanessa Bryant
A mother mourns her husband and daughter.
The world is still reeling from the unbelievable news that Kobe Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter Gianna Marie-Onore “GiGi” Bryant, and seven others lost their lives in a fatal helicopter crash in Calabasas, California. The Sunday morning (January 26) tragedy is still difficult for fans, friends, and loved ones of the Los Angeles Lakers legend to grasp, but the tributes to the fallen star, his daughter, and their friends have poured in from all around the world.
Emma McIntyre / Staff / Getty Images
Murals have begun to pop up and cities have lit up buildings in purple and gold to pay their respects. The Detroit Pistons opened their game on Monday wearing black #24 Bryant jerseys, while NBA players have shared their disbelief that their friend and idol is no longer with them. This is a devastating loss for all families involved, but the Bryants are obviously being highlighted more than the others that died in the accident because of their celebrity. A few friends and admirers of the Bryants have taken a moment to share their public condolences to Kobe’s wife Vanessa Bryant who not only lost her husband but her second-born child.
“Still doesn’t feel real…still can’t find the right words. We miss you man! ???,” Rihanna wrote. “May God have mercy on the Bryant family and the families of all the souls we lost!” Trina asked that women come together for Vanessa. “Women, Wives, Mother’s ….Let’s Stand United For Vanessa Bryant,” she said. “Please Fight In The Spirit For Her. Fight like You Know The Road Ahead Is Tough. Fight Like Her Life Will Never Be The Same. Fight Like You Know That The Enemy Wants To Take Her Mind….Fight On Purpose…..Fight ?”
Over on her Instagram page, Jennifer Lopez said she and fiancé Alex Rodriguez spent time just sharing their favorite moments they had with the late basketball icon. “We are all feeling sadness from this loss, but all I can think of is that it is a grain of sand compared to what Vanessa must going through right now,” she penned. “Vanessa, I pray for your strength and that God guides you each step of the way through this unimaginable heartbreak. To the other families who are suffering from this unthinkable tragedy, may God be with you all.”
Amber Rose also shared her heartbreak for Vanessa. “As a mother I’m so devastated for Vanessa, her Daughters and their family,” Amber stated. “I sat and thought about my life without my Sons, my husband Alexander and my Family and literally couldn’t hold back my tears all day. Please let’s Pray for her as she is the Matriarch of her Family. We Love you Vanessa ?❤️?? RIP Kobe Rip Gigi.”
Read through all of their messages, and more, in full below.
Kobe Bryant’s Daughter Gianna Honored By Uni. Of Conn Women’s Basketball Team: "Forever A Husky"
She was a star in the making.
She was just a teen following in her superstar father’s footsteps. Gianna Maria-Onore “GiGi” Bryant always made it clear that although her basketball icon dad Kobe Bryant didn’t have any sons, she was still capable enough to carry on his legacy. Their last moments together were reportedly at church that fateful Sunday (January 26) morning before they would attempt to make their way to Kobe’s Mamba Sports Academy along with seven others for basketball practice. Sadly, they would perish together in a helicopter crash along with seven others.
Elsa / Staff / Getty Images
Like millions of others, the University of Connecticut women’s basketball team was devastated by the news of the Los Angeles Lakers legend and his daughter’s passing. “Kobe and Gianna meant a lot to our program. Our thoughts are with the Bryant family,” the team shared on its Instagram page after verifying news reports. “Mamba Mentality will live on forever, but they are deeply missed. ?.” On Monday, the team returned with another post, this time in tribute to Gianna.
“Mambacita is forever a Husky ?,” the wrote in the caption of a photo that showed a #2 UConn jersey draped over a seat with a bouquet of flowers. They made sure to set aside a special place for the late 13-year-old basketball player at their game against Team USA on Monday evening. Check out their tributes below.
LeBron James Breaks Silence On Kobe Bryant’s Death: "I’m Heartbroken & Devastated"
He said he spoke to Kobe early Sunday morning.
They may have been seen as rivals on the court, but Kobe Bryant and LeBron James were longtime friends who shared a mutual love and respect. They’re hailed as two of the greatest players to ever pick up a basketball and off the court, their families were woven together as one. Since news broke on Sunday (January 26) that Bryant, along with his 13-year-old daughter Gianna “GiGi” Maria and seven others, had lost his life in a tragic helicopter crash, hundreds of thousands of the Los Angeles Lakers legend’s loved ones and admirers have vocalized their grief and disbelief.
Jamie Squire / Staff / Getty Images
NBA games continued on schedule and players could be seen sitting courtside weeping. Fans converged onto the Staples Center in Downtown Los Angeles, the home of the Lakers, blocking traffic as the 62nd annual Grammy Awards were being held inside. People who had followed the career of the basketball star openly cried in the streets of cities worldwide. Sports figures, from all fields, shared their memories or condolences social media and in emotional interviews.
Kobe’s last Instagram post was a photo of himself with LeBron, and in the caption, Bryant praised his friend for passing his third-place spot for the NBA’s all-time scoring list. LeBron doesn’t owe the public a response to the death of his friend, but the Lakers star used the opportunity to share in the global grief that family, friends, and fans are experiencing together.
He wrote:
“I’m Not Ready but here I go. Man I sitting here trying to write something for this post but every time I try I begin crying again just thinking about you, niece Gigi and the friendship/bond/brotherhood we had! I literally just heard your voice Sunday morning before I left Philly to head back to LA. Didn’t think for one bit in a million years that would be the last conversation we’d have. WTF!! I’m heartbroken and devastated my brother!! ?????. Man I love you big bro. My heart goes to Vanessa and the kids. I promise you I’ll continue your legacy man! You mean so much to us all here especially #LakerNation?? and it’s my responsibility to put this shit on my back and keep it going!! Please give me the strength from the heavens above and watch over me! I got US here! There’s so much more I want to say but just can’t right now because I can’t get through it! Until we meet again my brother!! #Mamba4Life❤️?? #Gigi4Life❤️??”
We continue to send our condolences to Kobe Bryant’s loved ones.
Kobe Bryant Transcended Basketball
Rest in peace to one of the greatest to ever pick up a basketball.
To some, he may have been just a basketball player, but to millions more, he was invincible– a man who could hit two clutch free throws, limping on a torn Achilles, a man who could score 81 points in a single game, a man who, while being the best at it, showed us there was more to life than just basketball. Kobe Bryant was a hero.
Sure, I was undersized and never anything special, but it didn’t matter. When the bell rang and school was over, the first place I wanted to be was the basketball court. I wanted to reenact the moves I saw my hero, Kobe, make the night before on ESPN.
I’d have to heave the ball with all my strength just for it to reach the hoop from where Kobe hit the impeccable game-winner over Dwyane Wade in December of 2009, but when the ball finally went in, I felt like Kobe Bryant. I was shooting from the edge of a driveway in Charlestown, Rhode Island, but I felt like I was in front of thousands at the Staples Center. I could escape the stresses of middle school, the low self-esteem of my anxious 12-year-old self and, for just a moment, feel like I was invincible, because Kobe Bryant was invincible. Kobe Bryant was Super-Man.
This story is likely similar to millions of other kids who looked up to Kobe and found solace on the basketball court.
He was an assassin– 33,643 career points, 18 all-star selections, five NBA championships, an MVP award and countless more accolades. He was one of the rare competitors who could strike absolute fear in his opponents. Regardless of the score, a lead was never safe if Kobe was on the court. Unparalleled balletic footwork, a brain that seemed designed for basketball, an unshakable love for the fourth quarter, it all made Kobe the most entertaining player to watch.
Moments like when Kobe scored 62 points in three quarters in a 112-90 route over the Dallas Mavericks in 2005 made fans fall in love with his game. Kobe sat out the fourth quarter, and, as legend goes, when offered a chance to go back in to reach 70, he told coach Brian Shaw, “Nah, I’ll get it another time.”
How about when he scored 60 points in his final game and gave life to the Staples Center, that of which it hadn’t seen in years? Or when Matt Barnes pump-faked the ball into his face and Kobe didn’t even flinch? The alley-oop to Shaq in Game 7 against the Trail Blazers in 2000? The countless game-winners, deep fadeaways, jawdropping dunks, are all ingrained in the memories of NBA fans whose lives were impacted by Kobe Bryant.
A loss like this forces us to stare in the face of our own mortality. How can he be gone? He was invincible.
Kobe may have been passed the prime of his playing days, but he was just entering the prime of life. With his wife Vanessa, he had four children– Gianna, Natalia, Bianca, and their newborn Capri, who was only just born, in June 2019.
Ethan Miller/Getty Images
Above all else, though, Kobe was a father. After taking a break from basketball post-retirement, he rekindled love with the game once again, vicariously through his daughter Gianna. The two could be seen attending NBA games across the country; he often tutored her from the sidelines in the art of the game. At his Mamba Sports Academy, he did the same for other young girls who found love for basketball.
For his short film, Dear Basketball, Kobe won the Oscar for Best Animated Short Film, setting up what could have been an illustrious second-act: “What I love is storytelling,” he told Sports Illustrated in 2018. “I love the idea of creative content whether it’s mythology or animation, written or film, that can inspire people and give them something tangible they can use in their own lives.”
Tragically we will never get to see that second-act come to fruition. Kobe Bryant died yesterday, in a helicopter crash alongside his daughter Gianna and seven others. It’s one of the most devastating losses in NBA history.
This is not the ending Kobe Bryant was supposed to get.
JOHANNES EISELE/AFP/Getty Images
Jessica Simpson "Felt The Loss" Of Kobe Bryant As Emergency Helicopters Flew Over Home
It’s still not real.
Sunday, January 26th was a hard-hitting day for people around the globe. Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna were two of nine lives lost when a helicopter crashed and went up in flames in Calabasas. Fans, friends, family members and anyone who’s been inspired by Kobe’s determination and work ethic on and off the court mourned the sudden loss of his presence and sent prayers to his wife Vanessa and his survived children during this hard time.
Maxx Wolfson/Getty Images
Jessica Simpson has become yet another act who’s shared sweet words following this heartbreaking tragedy. The singer posted an image of her view from her home in the Los Angeles hills that sees the clouds parting to let the sunshine through. The image was taken on the day of the crash and Jessica detailed in her caption how she “felt the loss” since she saw the emergency helicopters flying over her home to attend to the scene. “I felt the power in the sky of the heavens parting to make room for the greatest of angels to rise,” she wrote.
“My heart is completely broken for all the families and loved ones left behind trying to make sense of things in this tragic moment. Vanessa, you are the woman and wife that championed your husband to greatness. My prayers are constant for everyone affected by this impactful loss.”
