As we deal with the death of Laker legend Kobe Bryant, we welcome your thoughts

Fans watch a basketball game in December at Tustin High. (Photo: Fernando M. Donado, For OC Sports Zone)

Like many of you, I’ve been a Laker fan for most of my life and watched some amazing performances by legendary Kobe Bryant.

Like many of you, I was saddened and stunned to hear of the death of Kobe Bryant today and four others, reported by multiple news outlets.

We send our prayers to the Laker nation, all NBA fans, Kobe Bryant’s family and the families and friends of the others who have died.

Like you, we’re trying to process this very sad news. Many of us never met Kobe Bryant, but we felt we knew him. He was a big part of Orange County and many will have a tough time dealing with his loss. We are amazed and inspired by how much he accomplished in his 41 years.

He had such an impact with the Cypress High boys basketball program that players on Tuesday will honor him on Tuesday in the game against Pacifica. The program is asking fans to honor Kobe Bryant by wearing their favorite Kobe Bryant shoes.

A close friend reminded me not long after this tragic news that “we still have each other” and to value every minute of life.

Truer words were never said.

Anaheim Sports released a statement on Twitter:

“With a broken heart, we send our condolences to the family, friends and communities of those lost in today’s helicopter crash. May they find peace and understanding in the coming weeks. Kobe Bryant will forever live in our hearts as both legend and friend. Rest in Peace Mamba.”

Sometimes, it can help to talk about sad events like this. We’re offering this platform to our readers to share your thoughts about Kobe Bryant.

If you would like to, please send your comments to: timburt@ocsportszone.com and we will share with our readers. Please include your first and last name and the city you live in.

-Tim Burt, OC Sports Zone; timburt@ocsportszone.com