News of Bryant's death in a helicopter crash rocked the world, with Boone dubbing 'Mamba' the best player he ever saw in an Instagram post.

"You already know this was a bucket... Played against this man for 4 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"

Injured rookie sensation LaMelo Ball offered his own tribute via Twitter:

"jus waking up in australia... mannnn this hurts a lot and don't even feel real sending prayers and love out to everybody rn and if u reading this i miss/love you life is way to short not too R.I.P kobe #FOREVER24 "