Toronto

Here's the Toronto Raptors' tribute to Kobe Bryant

The Toronto Raptors organization paid tribute to NBA great Kobe Bryant, who died tragically in a helicopter crash along with eight others — including his teenage daughter, Gianna.

Team says it and the wider NBA are 'united in grief and deeply saddened'

Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry hangs his head as the team plays hours after learning about Kobe Bryant's death. The Raptors organization has issued a statement paying tribute to the late NBA star. (Eric Gay/The Associated Press)

The Toronto Raptors organization paid tribute to NBA great Kobe Bryant, who died tragically in a helicopter crash along with eight others — including his teenage daughter, Gianna.

Here's what the organization said in a statement:

"It was just last night that we paused to remember some of the many great moments Kobe provided to basketball fans all over the world. We marvelled at his passion for our game and at his tremendous skills — some of which he memorably unleashed against our team. Today, we are thinking of Kobe and his daughter Gianna, and of his teammates, his friends, and most especially his loved ones. Along with our NBA family, we are united in grief and deeply saddened at the loss of one of the greatest players in our sport, who was taken far too soon. We send our condolences to the Lakers, and especially to his wife Vanessa and to his daughters, who will forever miss their father