Kobe Bryant was killed in a helicopter crash in California on Sunday and news of his tragic death occurred right before the Denver Nuggets were set to play the Houston Rockets at their home arena.

Jerry West, former Lakers general manager, speaks with CBS Los Angeles' sports director Jim Hill about the relationship he had with Kobe Bryant early in his career and the lasting legacy he will have on the sport.

The NBA legend, who died in a helicopter crash on Sunday, was a fixture in American culture for 25 years. But he had a whole life left to live.

The former president said it was an "unthinkable day."

Kobe Bryant, Lakers legend, died when the helicopter he was traveling in crashed into a hillside in Calabasas shortly before 10 a.m.

Kobe Bryant, a Hall of Fame basketball player who won five NBA championships with the Los Angeles Lakers, died aged 41 on Sunday in a helicopter crash in California. His 13-year-old daughter Gianna was among the five people killed.

Shaq and Bryant were teammates on the Los Angeles Lakers from 1996 to 2004 and won three championships together.

Jim Hill, CBS Los Angeles' sports director, has interviewed and personally gotten to know Kobe Bryant over the years. Hill describes how Bryant was such a "gifted" basketball player, a family man and someone who deeply cared for the community.

Kobe Bryant, who won five NBA championships with the Los Angeles Lakers and was considered one of basketball's all-time greats, was killed on Sunday in a helicopter crash near Los Angeles along with all four others on board, officials said. He was 41.

In his final game, Bryant and the LA Lakers​ took on Utah Jazz

Reaction from the basketball world and beyond has poured in following the death of retired NBA superstar Kobe Bryant in a helicopter crash on Sunday at age 41.

Former President Barack Obama, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and current NBA players reacted. "There’s no words to express the pain I’m going through," Shaq said.

NBA legend Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna, died in a helicopter crash Sunday morning in the hills above Calabasas, Calif.

Senior NBA writer for the Athletic mourns the passing of NBA superstar Kobe Bryant.

More to follow

Tragedy overtook what was supposed to be a joyous night at Staples Center on Sunday, as NBA legend Kobe Bryant was killed in a helicopter crash.

President Trump on Sunday reacted to NBA superstar Kobe Bryant's death in a helicopter crash, calling it "terrible news."

Kobe Bryant, one of the greatest NBA players of all-time and a superstar who transcended sports, has died at 41.

Los Angeles (AFP) – Factfile on 18-time NBA All-Star Kobe Bryant, who died in a helicopter crash Sunday at age 41 after playing his entire 20-season

Kobe Bryant's 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, was also on the helicopter that crashed near Los Angeles on Sunday, killing him and all four others on board, several major U.S. media outlets reported.

The all-time NBA great tragically passed away on Sunday in a helicopter crash in California.

President Donald Trump reacted to the death of basketball legend Kobe Bryant and his daughter on Sunday, describing their passing as

Bryant is one of the all-time greatest NBA players.

The pre-televised ceremony was opened with a tribute to the late NBA star, while fans have made a makeshift memorial outside the venue

James passed Bryant to third place on the NBA's all-time scoring list just yesterday