Michael Jordan: "Words can't describe the pain I am feeling. I loved Kobe - he was like a little brother to me. We used to talk often, and I will miss those conversations very much. He was a fierce competitor, one of the greats of the game and a creative force. Kobe was also an amazing dad who loved his family deeply - and took great pride in his daughter's love for the game of basketball."

Magic Johnson: "As I try to write this post, my mind is racing. I'm in disbelief and have been crying all morning over this devastating news that Kobe and his young daughter, Gigi have passed away in a helicopter crash. Cookie and I are heartbroken."

Shaquille O'Neal: "There's no words to express the pain I'm going through with this tragedy of loosing [sic] my niece Gigi & my brother [Kobe Bryant]."

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: "Most people will remember Kobe as the magnificent athlete who inspired a whole generation of basketball players. But I will always remember him as a man who was much more than an athlete."

Dwyane Wade: "Nooooooooooo God please No!"

Joel Embiid: "I had never watched ball before that and that finals was the turning point of my life," Embiid wrote on Twitter. "I WANTED TO BE LIKE KOBE. I'm so FREAKING SAD right now!!!!"

Donald Trump: "That is terrible news! Kobe Bryant, despite being one of the truly great basketball players of all time, was just getting started in life. He loved his family so much, and had such strong passion for the future. The loss of his beautiful daughter, Gianna, makes this moment even more devastating."

Barack Obama: "Kobe was a legend on the court and just getting started in what would have been just as meaningful a second act. To lose Gianna is even more heartbreaking to us as parents. Michelle and I send love and prayers to Vanessa and the entire Bryant family on an unthinkable day."

Tiger Woods: "It's an unbelievable reality that he's no longer here."

Usain Bolt: "Still can't believe"

Novak Djokovic: "My heart truly mourns over the news today. Kobe was a great mentor and friend. There are not enough words to express my deepest sympathies to the Bryants and every family suffering from this tragedy ... you and your daughter will live forever in our hearts."

Rafael Nadal: "I woke up this morning with the horrible news of the tragic death of one of the greatest sportsman in the world. Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna and other passengers. My condolences to his wife and families. I am in shock."

Tom Brady: "We miss you already Kobe."

Shane Warne: "Like everyone, I'm stunned and saddened to hear the horrific news about Kobe Bryant. Thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this terribly sad time #RIPKobeBryant."

Rhys Witherspoon: "Just devastated to hear about #KobeBryant. An extraordinary athlete, and a genuinely kind, wonderful man. Sending love, prayers & compassion to his family. To his entire NBA family as well."

Justin Bieber: "It can't be. You always encouraged me mamba. Gave me some of the best quotes that we smile about to this day.! Love you man!"

Taylor Swift: "My heart is in pieces hearing the news of this unimaginable tragedy. I can't fathom what the families are going through. Kobe meant so much to me and to us all. Sending my prayers, love, and endless condolences to Vanessa and the family and anyone who lost someone on that flight."

Ellen DeGeneres: "Like everyone, I'm stunned and saddened by the news about Kobe Bryant. My heart is broken for his wife and family."

Australian Associated Press