The world mourned on Monday morning the passing of a world sporting legend, but also a proud father and his much loved teenage daughter.
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The news of the death of Los Angeles Lakers basketball star Kobe Bryant in a helicopter crash went instantly around the globe and resonated loudly here in Australia and throughout the Illawarra.
The Illawarra Hawks' teenage star LaMelo Ball posted an Instagram tribute.
It read simply: "this hurt i'm lost for words".
It accompanied a photo of a young LaMelo and his older brother Lonzo with Bryant.
Ball's despair at the premature loss of Bryant was shared by both his team-mates and the Australian basketball community in general.
Illawarra born and bred young gun Angus Glover posted: "Can't believe it! Gone way too soon! Rest in peace legend".
Illawarra Hawks import and former NBA veteran Josh Boone posted on his Instagram: "Played against this man for four years and can say without a doubt he was the best player I've ever seen in person. I had one conversation with him which was almost 15 years ago, but still remember it to this day... Meanwhile I don't even remember most conversations I had yesterday. The fact that the world has literally almost stopped with this news, tells you how much of an effect this man had on so many people.This one is tough. RIP".
The National Basketball League released a statement paying tribute to both Bryant and his daughter Gianna.
"Our heartfelt condolences go out to the Bryant family and their many friends around the world," NBL Commissioner Jeremy Loeliger said.
"The basketball community mourns the loss of one of its greatest ever players and ambassadors.
"But even more so it mourns a father and daughter whose love for one another was evident for all to see when they were sharing their love of the game."
Australian basketball great Andrew Gaze tweeted one word: "Devastated".
Sums it up really.