Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban on Sunday night announced that no player on his franchise will ever wear the No. 24 again after reports that Kobe Bryant died earlier in the day in a helicopter crash outside of Los Angeles.
In a statement Cuban said: “We are shocked and saddened by the devastating news of the passing of Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna. Kobe was an ambassador for our game, a decorated legend and a global icon. Above all, he was a loving and dedicated father.
“Kobe's legacy transcends basketball, and our organization has decided that the number 24 will never again be worn by a Dallas Maverick.
“Our hearts go out to all the lives lost and the families impacted by this terrible tragedy. We send our thoughts and prayers to Vanessa and the family, the Lakers organization and Kobe Bryant fans everywhere.”
Bryant was reportedly one of nine people aboard a helicopter that crashed around 1 p.m. ET in the mountains of Calabasas, a suburb north of downtown Los Angeles. Authorities confirmed that all nine people on board died. Bryant's 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, is reportedly among those who perished in the crash.
There were eight games on the NBA schedule Sunday, and teams and players paid tribute to Bryant in numerous ways, including taking 24- and 8-second violations (in honor of Bryant's two jersey numbers).