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NBA Legend Kobe Bryant Among Five Dead In Helicopter Crash; Source: Bryant's 13-Year-Old Daughter Also In Helicopter Crash. Aired 4-5p ET
Aired January 26, 2020 - 16:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
[16:00:39]
ANNOUNCER: This is CNN Breaking News.
ANA CABRERA, CNN HOST: Hello. I'm Ana Cabrera in New York. You are live in the CNN NEWSROOM.
We begin with this tragic breaking news. One of the greatest basketball players of all time is dead. Sources confirming to CNN, Kore Bryant, a five-time NBA champion and 18-time All Star, has been killed along with four other people in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California. He was just 41 years old.
The details are still coming in. A firefighter says there was some fog this morning. We do not know yet if that contributed to the crash in the hills above Calabasas which is just outside Los Angeles, we have team coverage with us. We have Nick Watt joining us from the scene of the crash.
What more do you know, Nick?
NICK WATT, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, Ana, we are still waiting for any official word from authorities as to what might have caused this crash. We have heard from the local fire department that they were on scene because the impact of this crash ignited a small brush fire there on the hills there between Calabasas and Malibu, which is just over those hills.
Now, we will hopefully get some indication of why this happened. But I mean, this morning, I have spoken to a 5th WING pilot who said he did not fly this morning because of the visibility. That has not been confirmed in any way as a contributing factor in this accident right now. We just want to be clear on that.
Now where was Kobe Bryant going? Well, I have heard from the director of a girls basketball team here that he was expected at a tournament at the Mamba Academy in Thousand Oaks at noon. He was coaching a team on which one of his daughters played, but we have not had that independently confirmed, or confirmed by another source yet.
But what is happening right here, Ana, is just absolute shock and speechlessness in Los Angeles. I'm crowded around here. Hundreds of people gathering. Just looking, just wondering, just trying to let this news sink in. He, of course, played 20 years here in Los Angeles. He was a main part of a number of championship seasons. But for Los Angeles and for America and, frankly, for the world, Kobe Bryant was more than just a basketball player.
He transcended his sport, which is a cliche, but he is a man who really did that. And we can see that from the reaction of everyday folks here in Los Angeles, people crying, and also the reaction from celebrities from the world of sport and entertainment. Just utter shock that Kobe Bryant, 41 years old, has died -- Ana.
CABRERA: And Nick, we're looking at some of the aerial images of the accident scene, where the crash, of course, happened. And it's still smoldering. What more do you know about the area?
WATT: Yes. I mean, so, this is -- we're in Calabasas, so just sort of north, northwest-ish of Los Angeles. Those hills there, fairly large hills between Calabasas and Malibu and the Pacific Ocean. So, you know, listen, there is a possibility that the topography played a part in this accident. You can see those hills rise pretty sharply from behind Calabasas.
And, you know, as I mentioned before, the impact of this crash sparked a brush fire that authorities had to fight to put out, as you can see perhaps in those pictures. First responders are still up there. But the investigation has really yet to gain any impetus. We are not getting much information whatsoever from authorities beyond the make of the helicopter, the time and the impact.
We are not getting any official indication yet as to what might have caused this, but we are expecting a press conference within a couple of hours and hopefully some answers. But as I say, Ana, right now here it is just shock. People aren't really asking why this happened. They are just shocked that it happened. These people have lost one of Los Angeles, one of the towering figures of the city, who was involved in promoting women's sport.
[16:05:01]
As I mentioned, I mean, speaking to the director of a girls basketball team who said that he was a colossus. He was somebody who didn't just push boys sport, he pushed girls sport. He was an L.A. figure.
CABRERA: Yes.
WATT: Who, as they say around here, it will be very, very difficult to replace.
CABRERA: Yes, for that community obviously it's such a personal hit that they're taking, given his connection to Los Angeles and California.
WATT: Yes.
CABRERA: But he was a global sports figure. He spent a lot of time living in Italy when his father was playing professional basketball. We know he has work that he's doing in China, helping to educate some of the folks there as part of his philanthropy work, his life after basketball.
And Brian -- let me turn to Brian Stelter who's here with me, too. His legacy in basketball is well known, of course. He had a lot of firsts, he's still on a lot of all-time greatest lists, obviously. But he had an impact off the hardwood as well.
BRIAN STELTER, CNN CHIEF MEDIA CORRESPONDENT: He was a hardwood genius, but his cultural impact was also almost unparalleled, partly by bringing new fans into basketball but partly by using people's love of his performance to introduce them to other products, to a film that he made, et cetera, et cetera. You know, everybody said that Kobe looked like an ad for a product called swagger. And that's so true.
It's one of the reasons why people, even casual fans, were so interested, wanting to watch what he was going to do next on the court and also off the court. And the L.A. mayor, Eric Garcetti, just put out a statement about this, calling Kobe a giant who inspired, amazed, and thrilled people everywhere with his skill on the court, and awed us with his intellect and humility as a father and husband.
And to what Nick Watt just said, Kobe was teaching one of his girls' basketball, one of his teenage daughter's basketball. Recently a video went viral on social media of Kobe showing her some of the tricks of the trade at a basketball game. And so I think people right now are fearing for the family, hoping that everyone in the family is alive and well. Certainly not well, but alive. We know that Kobe's wife, Vanessa, was not on board the chopper.
You know, this is a chopper that Kobe would take all the time. This is his personal helicopter. He would take it to and from games when he was playing downtown in L.A. and then back home, and would still use it regularly. You know, but basketball was in his DNA.
He started playing when he was three years old. He wrote in his book a couple of years ago, I remember when I first got my real first basketball, he said, I love the feel of it in my hands. I was so enamored with the ball. I didn't even want to bounce it or use it because I didn't want to ruin the pebbled leather grains or the perfect grooves. I didn't want to ruin the feel.
He said, I loved the sound of it, too, the tap, tap, tap of when a ball bounces on the hardwood, the crispness and clarity. Those are the elements I loved about the ball, about the game. They're the reasons I dug as deep as I dug. It all came down to that special tap, tap, tap that I first grew infatuated with as a boy.
CABRERA: Right.
STELTER: There are millions of boys, millions of adults out there who wanted to be like Kobe Bryant, who wanted to be the best the way Kobe was. And I think to hear him describe that as a boy, you know, there's kids out there right now that want to be Kobe Bryant someday.
CABRERA: And it really transcends sports. It transcends basketball. Like you said, just having somebody who worked so hard at something they love so much. STELTER: Yes.
CABRERA: Reach the pinnacle of success, is an inspiration to so many people who are in love with whatever is their fashion is, not just in the sports world.
But let's talk more about what he accomplished in his career. Anchor of CNN World Sports Don Riddell is with us.
Break down more of his impact to the sporting world, Don.
DON RIDDELL, CNN ANCHOR: Well, I mean, it's -- we're seeing a lot today is kind of hard to find the words. It is extraordinary what he achieved during a 20-year career with the L.A. Lakers and the NBA. He only ever played for one team. He was drafted by another team. But he made his way to the Lakers before the season began. And there, he made his name. And he made the L.A. Lakers a global brand as well.
And this all happened at a time that the NBA was becoming truly international and Kobe Bryant was right there, right in the thick of it. He won five NBA titles with the Lakers, including the famous three-peat from the years 2000 to 2002. He was the finals MVP twice. He was the most valuable player in the NBA as well in the year 2008. He won two gold medals with the U.S. team at the Olympics, and it was just his work ethic that I think made him so admired.
I printed off a list of some of his most famous quotes before I came here into the studio. And so many of them talk about that, the work ethic. Just his drive not to be beaten, never to be second best, always wanting to put the work in and come out on top. He had one quote where he said my brain, it cannot process failure. I will not process failure, because if I sit there and have to face myself and tell myself you're a failure, I think that's almost worse than death.
CABRERA: Wow.
RIDDELL: That's one of his better-known quotes and quite poignant today.
[16:10:02]
You know, the reason we're all talking about him today is because of his phenomenal career and everything he achieved, not just in the United States, not just with the Lakers and the NBA, but globally, he was an icon. And he was a world figure, too. I mean, remember that he went to live in Italy. He really grew up in Italy when his father moved there. He grew up there from the ages of 6 to 13.
He became fluent in Italian, he's a huge fan of the Italian soccer team A.C. Milan who have today posted, you know, their regrets at the news of his sudden passing. And just admired by so many people all over the world, so many athletes, too. Not just basketball players. So many athletes in so many different sports are really in a great state of shock today.
And just finally for me, Ana, how many people do you know who are only known by one name? It's a very, very short list. I'd say Tiger, Venus, Serena, Kobe. There's not many of them.
CABRERA: Right.
RIDDELL: But Kobe Bryant absolutely transcended his sport and became known all over the world just by one name.
CABRERA: A legend who is no longer with us today. 41 years old.
Everybody, please stand by. We are waiting for a press conference to begin from Lower Merion High School in Philadelphia. That is where Kobe Bryant went to high school. You can see them setting up the cameras there. The gymnasium there is named after this NBA star. And we're going to be speaking with one of his friends who went to high school there, who played basketball with him at that stage in his career, as it launched him into stardom, when we come back. Stay with us.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[16:16:02]
CABRERA: Reaction pouring in on Twitter to the news of Kobe Bryant's death. NBA star Scottie Pippin tweeting, "I am stunned. Words can't even come close to describing it. Just an incredibly sad and tragic day." The owner of the Dallas Mavericks, Mark Cuban, saying, "We can never forget how precious life is. How those who are special to you and never let them forget how deeply you love them."
Patriots quarterback Tom Brady tweeting, "We miss you already, Kobe." Former Boston Celtics star Paul Pierce with six words, "This is not real right now." NBA star Dwyane Wade capturing the shock from this news tweeting, "No. God, please no."
Just a moment ago, press conference was being held at Lower Merion High School. This is just outside of Philadelphia. It's where Kobe Bryant went to school. The gymnasium there bears his name. Let's listen.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
AMY BUCKMAN, DIRECTOR OF SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS, LOWER MERION SCHOOL DISTRICT: My name is Amy Buckman. I'm the director of School and Community Relations for the Lower Merion School District, and obviously this is a difficult day for everyone in our school community. I've spoken to Coach Downer. He is not up to speaking to the media at this time. And I hope that you will respect his privacy. What I'm going to do is read a statement at this time on behalf of the school district.
We do not have any information about the crash. All that information would have to come from authorities in California. But the following is what I can say on behalf of the school district.
The Lower Merion School District Community is deeply saddened to learn of the sudden passing of one of our most illustrious alumni, Kobe Bryant. Mr. Bryant's connection to Lower Merion High School where he played basketball prior to joining the NBA has raised the profile of our high school and our district throughout the world. Our school community will always be grateful for his ongoing generosity to his alma mater, including the dedication of our Kobe Bryant Gymnasium and his support of our girls and boys basketball teams.
Greg Downer coached Mr. Bryant from 1992 to 1996. In that time Mr. Bryant led his team to the 1996 state championship. Mr. Downer said that he is completely shocked and devastated today upon hearing the news, adding that Aces nation has lost its heartbeat. The entire Lower Merion School District Community sends its deepest condolences to the entire Bryant family. Our basketball teams will no doubt pay tribute to Mr. Bryant as our season continues.
But at this time as a district, we will concentrate on supporting those in our community, including Coach Downer and English teacher Jean Mastriano, who Mr. Bryant credited for sparking his love of writing.
Thank you for being here.
UNIDENTIFIED REPORTER: Are you taking questions?
BUCKMAN: I don't have a lot of information I can add.
UNIDENTIFIED REPORTER: Just based off how did the district learn about this and can you give us a sort of a feeling from the upper levels of the administration?
BUCKMAN: We heard about it on the news, I guess, like most people did this afternoon. So, obviously, it was very sudden.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We stand in front of the gymnasium that bears his name.
BUCKMAN: Right. This is our Kobe Bryant Gymnasium. This is where our Lower Merion Aces play their basketball games and where our kids have gym class every day.
UNIDENTIFIED REPORTER: What's the school schedule going forward? Obviously this is going to generate quite a bit of attention.
BUCKMAN: We're still meeting as a district administration. We'll be consulting with the principals, our guidance counselors and staff to try to decide what if anything. I'm sure we'll be doing some things to support our students and our staff in the coming days but we haven't made those decisions yet.
UNIDENTIFIED REPORTER: What was your personal interaction with Mr. Bryant ever?
BUCKMAN: I never met him so I'm a Lower Merion alum myself but I predate Mr. Bryant's arrival here and then I joined the district long after he had graduated.
UNIDENTIFIED REPORTER: Maybe already a memorial is (INAUDIBLE), the door behind us, from your involvement in this community, from being here on a personal level, how important is Mr. Bryant to this community?
[16:20:05]
BUCKMAN: Mr. Bryant is the person most identified with Lower Merion High School and Lower Merion School District throughout the world. I know my own children have been traveling in foreign countries wearing their Lower Merion High School t-shirts or jackets and people all over the world have walked up to them and said, Lower Merion, Kobe Bryant. I mean, he is how we are identified around the world so this is a difficult time for our community.
UNIDENTIFIED REPORTER: When's the last time he was here at the school?
BUCKMAN: I'd have to look that up. I don't know. OK. If members of the news media want to come in the gym, we have some murals on the walls. We have a display case of some memorabilia of Mr. Bryant's. So -- unfortunately, we can't have the public coming in at this time, so just the media, if you can follow me in. Thank you.
Repeat it again? I mean, I can give you a printed version. You missed me. All right. We'll do it again. The jersey has been returned to the district.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
CABRERA: OK. Again, we are just listening in there to a press conference at Kobe Bryant's former high school. That is in Lower Merion outside Philadelphia. And I want to bring in somebody who went to that high school with Kobe Bryant. David Lasman is joining us on the phone right now.
David, first and foremost, my condolences to you. I know you were friends with Bryant, the two of you both played basketball together there in high school. What's your reaction to learning of his death?
DAVID LASMAN, HIGH SCHOOL FRIEND AND TEAMMATE OF KOBE BRYANT: Yes. I'm obviously really shocked and saddened by his death. I mean, it's kind of surreal in this moment, but it's just a -- you know, a time of reflection, thinking about, you know, the different times that we had playing basketball, growing up together. And just everything that he's done for me. Really appreciate it.
CABRERA: What did he mean to you personally?
LASMAN: Well, you know, obviously we grew up together, played basketball together, won a state championship together, and then from then on, you know, I -- he wanted to come out with a rap album, and he, you know, he asked one of the guys from our high school to create the music for the album. He asked me to write the treatment for the music video, which is something I wanted to do at the time. I ended up moving out to L.A. and having a career in music.
And it changed the course of my life. Everybody talks about, you know, his crazy work ethic and, you know, different friendships. But I feel like, you know, a lot of things were misunderstood about him. And he really, you know, a lot of his friends from growing up high school really have great things to say about him. And that's why I want to take the opportunity to be on this and just share some of those memories as well.
CABRERA: What was it like to play with him in high school?
LASMAN: I mean, look like a high school kid so I didn't really know that this was going to be Kobe Bryant. Like I didn't know he was going to be one of the best players of all time. Obviously, he was -- you know, he was very, you know, intense, and his work ethic was incredible. And his belief in himself. I remember in eighth grade, he said, you know, I'm going to start as a freshman next year in high school. And nobody starts as a freshman in high school.
And I -- you know, I didn't think that he was going to do it. And then I remember as a senior in high school, he's like, you know, telling me that Michael Jordan can't stop him. He's like, I'm not saying that I can stop Michael Jordan but he can't stop me. That's coming from a kid in high school and obviously at the time I thought he was crazy. But it was -- you know, the belief in himself, obviously, says a lot. And something that I'll remember forever.
CABRERA: Yes. You say he was always looking for a challenge and ready to rise up. What else can you tell us about Kobe Bryant, the person? You said you have a lot of memories.
LASMAN: Yes. I mean, I think, you know, obviously, his work ethic is incredible. I remember when I -- you know, I was producing shows and he -- you know, I'd call him up and ask him about leadership and asked him, you know, what -- if he had read any books.
And he said that he just observed nature, you know. And I thought about that for a minute. And you know, obviously he was -- he was a lion, and that's who he was. And I feel like he was very introspective, very, you know, was very interesting, and put a lot of thought into everything he's doing, which obviously included basketball.
[16:25:02]
CABRERA: Yes. And it's interesting when you talk about his love of sort of the arts especially, considering -- I feel like so often in our society, we sort of, you know, think of people as either an athlete or into, you know, creative -- some kind of creative passion. And yet it sounds like he was somebody who had both and was talented in both areas.
LASMAN: Yes. He approached things differently. He was very smart about the way he approached things. It's funny. After he retired I thought oh, maybe he'll, you know, chill out and I'll hang out with him more and stuff. And, you know, then he was just on to the next thing. He wanted to, you know, (INAUDIBLE), you know, he was just so focused on that. One of the things obviously that he's known for is that intense work ethic.
CABRERA: He was quoted in a "U.S. Today" article saying Lower Merion High School and everything associated with it made me who I am. What do you think he meant by that as somebody who went to that same high school?
LASMAN: I think that people in Philadelphia really grounded blue- collar type people. I think work ethic is really important. I think, you know, I know when he came over from Italy, he said that all the kids in Italy thought he had no chance in the NBA. And I think even Lower Merion is a suburb, and so when we would play the inner city teams, people would automatically think that the inner city kids were better. And I think it just gave him this intense drive to prove people wrong and I think that's probably what he meant.
CABRERA: It's interesting that he, again, was living in Italy for much of his childhood and then came to the United States during a time that, you know, is a very vulnerable time in many of our lives, as teenagers. And he didn't obviously have the time to develop and cultivate deep friendships as he was working this way through those years in the U.S. Was, he somebody who was quick to make friends? What was your perception of that in his ability to connect with people?
LASMAN: You know, I think he did. Obviously I think, you know, he has a side of him that's a loner. But I think he did make a lot of good friendships and I think that part is maybe a little misunderstood and I think a lot of kids from high school consider him, you know, a good friend. And I think that -- you know, I watched that documentary, "The Muse." And he said when I decided I wanted to be the best player of all time, I realize ahead to cut out certain things in my life, friends and different things.
And I think obviously becoming the greatest or one of the greatest of all time, you know, was extremely important to him. And so then I understood, like OK, maybe, you know, that's why I might not get a text or call back, or -- you know what I mean? Because he's so focused. But I think, you know, I don't think any of us really took it personal. You just realize that that was like the mission that he was on.
But if I ever saw him, he'd ask about my family, he'd about my sister, you know, just ask how I'm doing. And you know, I don't think it really took away from having him actually caring about the people that he grew up with.
CABRERA: Yes. I'm as guilty as anybody about not keeping in touch with people, old friends. Have you kept in touch with Kobe Bryant over the years?
LASMAN: I did when he first moved out, obviously, because we're -- you know, I came out to work on that. And then I actually played against him since after he was in the NBA and he was like a million times better than when I played against him in high school. And then, you know, I did -- I caught up with him randomly. And we exchanged phone numbers like maybe like a couple of years, three, four years later. And then I kept in touch with him for a while and then we just lost touch.
CABRERA: Yes.
LASMAN: So it's been probably five, six years since I probably talked to him.
CABRERA: Well, David Lasman, thank you so much for taking the time to share your memories and what we know of Kobe Bryant, as we all are, you know, grappling with this tragic news and his death. Thank you, again, for being here.
And as we go to break, we want to show a moment of silence held in Bryant's honor. This was at the Denver Nuggets game.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Ladies and gentlemen, basketball fans, a tragedy has befallen the world of basketball. Earlier today, at the age of 41, Kobe Bryant was killed in a helicopter crash. In 20 seasons with the Lakers, Kobe was a 17-time All-Star, two-time NBA Finals MVP, two-time Olympic gold medalist and five-time NBA champion.
[16:30:00]
The NBA and the game of basketball will mourn this loss together. Please join us in a moment of silence for Kobe Bryant. Rest in peace Mamba. Ladies and gentlemen --
(END VIDEO CLIP)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Out here and you see this out pouring for him. What does it mean as a fan to see so many --
(END VIDEOTAPE)
CABRERA: Obviously, having some trouble there with the video. But we're hearing from people all around the world today reacting to the news that Kobe Bryant is now dead at age 41, killed in a helicopter crash this morning or this afternoon in California.
And now, we can also report a source telling CNN that Kobe Bryant's 13-year-old daughter was also on board that helicopter.
I want to bring back CNN's Brian Stelter with more information. So, he's a father of four.
[16:35:25]
STELTER: A father of four daughters. One of his children was born just last June. Gigi, Gianna, Gigi for short, was 13 years old, one of the middle children in the family. She was born in 2006.
CNN's (INAUDIBLE) confirmed that she was on board the helicopter and she did die in the crash. So, Kobe was taking Gianna to a basketball game, to a basketball tournament. Apparently, they're in Calabasas. Some of the players who are already there, they've taken to their knees and they've been praying on the court. Gigi, as I mentioned, was 13 years old. She was an emerging basketball star in her own right. She picked up the love of the game from her dad. She inherited some of her dad's talent.
And for Kobe, this was a thrill because he started to see the game through Gigi's eyes. He said that when he was there in 2017 for his jersey retirement celebration, that was the first time that he was able to see Gianna look at the game and see that excitement in her eyes. It was the first time he saw the game through her eyes.
And then in a more recent interview, he said, you know, when I retired in 2016, I stopped watching basketball every night. But then, Gianna really wanted to watch. And now, every night, we're on the couch. We're watching every game, he said in a recent podcast interview, I mean every game. She asked for NBA league pass so we could ask every game. She watches everything.
So, it's beyond tragic to think about a parent taking his daughter, thinking about her career, her future in the basketball world. In fact, she -- Kobe had said that she really wanted to play for the "UConn Huskies" some day, that she was already thinking about college, thinking about where she could play some day.
And we now know that they both died today, both heading to her basketball game.
CABRERA: She's the oldest of four girls, the youngest, as you mentioned, being just born this past summer in June of 2019.
STELTER: Yes, 2019. It makes me think about --
CABRERA: And it's really awful.
STELTER: --my dad died when I was teenager and he died. He collapsed when he was coaching my brother's basketball game. And I always took a measure of joy from knowing that he was doing something that he loved.
And I hope that for the family right now, at least they know, that Kobe was traveling with his daughter, taking her somewhere she loved, teaching her the rhythms of the game as only he could. It's an incredible thing, but a heartbreaking thing for this family to lose one of their four daughters.
CABRERA: Yes.
STELTER: As we've been mentioning, Kobe's wife, Vanessa, they've been together almost 20 years. And we believe that Gianna was the only child on board. We don't know the other three victims of this crash. But apparently, there was a pilot on board. We don't know the other identities.
CABRERA: And I misspoke because Gianna was 13. He also has 16-year-old daughter, Natalia --
STELTER: Sixteen.
CABRERA: --and then a 3-year-old and then a newborn. Gosh, our hearts really goes out to his family today that's for sure.
Let me turn to Peter Goelz as we now focus on the investigation and, you know, what happened here. He's our aviation analyst and a former managing director at the NTSB.
Peter, it is -- it's just a few hours since this crash happened killing everyone on board, five people total, Bryant and four others on the chopper, Bryant and his daughter.
We see some first responders on the scene as we have been looking at those aerial pictures. But where do the investigators begin with a crash site like this?
PETER GOELZ, CNN AVIATION ANALYST: Well, I mean, you know, this is just a terrible tragedy. The investigators will be leaving Washington, you know, early this evening to go directly to Los Angeles.
They may send out investigators from the West Coast. There'll be a full team, including, I understand, member -- NTSB member Jennifer Homendy will be on scene. So, the NTSB is going to treat this as a major investigation.
You know, the Sikorsky S-76 was a monster of a helicopter. There's over 1,000 of them in service. This one was designed for executive travel with four passenger seats. It had twin turbo engines. It had the best avionics and quite likely had data recorders which will help the investigators.
But you know, key, they will stake out the accident scene and try and figure out from the radar track, from any communications the pilot had with the ground, and from the wreckage what happened.
And it was mentioned earlier, I mean, helicopter crashes tend to be very devastating in terms of the wreckage. And it's oftentimes very difficult to figure out if there was a mechanical fault or not. But in this case, they may luck -- they may be lucky. There may be data recorders. There may be a voice recorder.
[16:40:01]
CABRERA: I mean, again, all we're really going off of are the pictures that we can see. Do these images of the wreckage provide any initial clues?
GOELZ: No. I mean, I think -- I think you need to be concerned about the weather as well, you know. Some initial reports said that it was extremely foggy there in the early morning. I don't know. I haven't seen the latest reports on that.
But it's, you know, weather often plays havoc in helicopter accidents like this. And I hope that's not the case. But I, you know, you got to look to weather.
CABRERA: Given just how high profile Kobe Bryant is, how much pressure is there now for investigators to get answers quickly? GOELZ: Well, they're not going to rush. Investigators, the NTSB, in particular, want to get it right. And they will -- they've got the expertise. They've got enough people assigned to it to get it right.
You'll hear from them for the next couple of days on scene as they accomplish their initial investigative, you know, tasks. And then, there'll be a preliminary report issued within 30 days. And I think the initial report will go a long way towards pointing to what happened to this accident.
CABRERA: OK, Peter Goelz, thank you very much for joining us.
Now, Kobe Bryant retired from the NBA in 2016. So, as we go to break, I want to bring you the final moments of his last game where he electrified the home crowd there with a 60-point performance.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Will Kobe give them one last gamer? Bryant on the move with a jumper. He got it!
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Oh, my!
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Fifty-eight.
(CHEERS AND APPLAUSE)
(END VIDEO CLIP)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[16:46:05]
CABRERA: It's our breaking news. Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter killed in a helicopter crash. Kobe Bryant's last tweet, which was sent just yesterday, was to honor LeBron James, after he passed Bryant to take over the third spot on the NBA's all-time scoring list.
Kobe Bryant tweeted this, "Continuing to move the game forward King James. Much respect my brother." And as LeBron James passed Kobe Bryant on that NBA all-time scoring list last night, he wore shoes honoring Bryant that said, "Mamba 4 Life", a reference to Bryant's nickname there.
James often talked about how much he looked up to Bryant. Here's what James said after last night's game.
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LEBRON JAMES, NBA STAR: In 2001, I believe, I was playing in New Jersey in the all-star game, if I'm not mistaken, you all can correct me, it was in Philly, right.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It was.
JAMES: Yes. That Saturday, me and Maverick drove to the Intercontinental downtown Philadelphia and he gave me a pair of his shoes, which I ended up wearing that following night. It was the red, white, and blue Kobe's.
I was a 15 and he was a 14 and I wore them anyways. And I sat and just talked to him for a little bit. He gave me the shoes. I rocked them in the game. And it was the same night that we played Oak Hill against Melo.
And then, I saw what he was able to do the very next night winning MVP here in Philly. Now, I'm here in the Lakers uniform in Philadelphia where he's from, where I -- one of the first time I've ever met him, gave me the shoes he wore also. It's just -- it's surreal.
It doesn't make no sense. But the universe just puts things in your life and when you -- I guess when you live in the right way or you just given everything to whatever you're doing, things happen organically. And it's not supposed to make sense but it just happens. Sorry.
And I'm happy just to be in any conversation with Kobe Bean Bryant, one of the all-time greatest basketball players that ever played, one of the all-time greatest Lakers. The man got two jerseys hanging up in Staples Center. It's just crazy.
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CABRERA: Again, those words from LeBron James just last night following his game. Now, if you've been with us this hour, you've learned a little bit more about Kobe Bryant and how when he was drafted. He had a side hustle of sorts. He was trying to break into rap music as well.
Russell Howard was his producer. And Russell is joining us. Now, Russell, I know you have known Kobe since the two of you were in middle school in Pennsylvania. I can't imagine how you're feeling right now. How are you doing?
RUSSELL HOWARD, FRIEND OF KOBE BRYANT & RAP PRODUCER: It's just so surreal, so tragic, still, obviously, trying to process this and just, you know, we lost a legend. And just I can't even imagine what his family is going through right now. And so, yes, it's just -- to wake up to this, it's just, you know, it's been incredibly hard to process. It's just -- I feel shook. So, it's really sad. But yes --
CABRERA: A lot of people know Kobe's record breaking legacy, of course, as one of the NBA's greatest players. But what can you tell us about Kobe off the court?
HOWARD: I mean, so much. Honestly, you know, so Kobe and I -- I was never really into basketball. I was always into making music. And so, he and I shared a mutual admiration for music and a mutual bond over music, which I think was nice for him because it gave him a break. Everyone else was talking to him about basketball, et cetera, et cetera.
And he and I would just talk about rap lyrics and producers and favorite artists and stuff. And so, to make a long story short, when he was drafted by the Lakers, he knew that I was making music. And he was very passionate about music. He was very passionate about anything he put his mind to, very great at anything he put his mind to.
And so, a rap group was formed. And he gave me a shot as an 18-year- old, 19-year-old kid. And I was flown out to L.A. And actually, a group was formed. And we were signed by Colombia Records.
And just to keep in mind -- and this is where I wanted to take this phone call -- he could have access. He did have access to any producer in the world at that time but he gave me a shot.
Kobe had this incredible ability to see talent in people before they saw it in themselves. And he saw something -- and I don't want to make this about me -- but you asked. And so, he, you know, gave a young 19- year-old kid a shot. And I was flown out here. And we started recording an album for a year and a half.
And the amount of principles that I learned from him, the work ethic -- know everyone talks about that. But just the mere fact that, you know, he would -- he would show up to the studio after practicing, after training, after interviews, and he would be the one most prepared out of all of us.
And, you know, he used to always tell me, Russell, you have talent. But if you don't put the work in, it won't matter. And it's just -- I can honestly say I would not have the career that I have today without the doors that he opened (INAUDIBLE).
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CABRERA: You say he changed your life.
HOWARD: He definitely opened doors. It changed my life without a doubt. You know, I was just a young, unknown producer. And through him and being in the studio with him, I was able to produce for very large acts and groups and one of them was for Jay-Z. And that would have not happened if Kobe wouldn't have given me a shot.
And, yes. So, you know, by Kobe's generosity and belief, the doors were opened and the course of my life and career changed. And I know you just spoke to my best friend and business partner, David Lasman, and, you know, and the career that he and I have today in the music business was definitely inspired by Kobe's -- Kobe opening doors for us. Absolutely.
CABRERA: Wow. Sounds like he was an incredible friend and partner in many ways. Russell Howard, I really appreciate you taking the time to share your memories, your thoughts as we remember Kobe Bryant on this tragic day.
And as we go to break, Shaquille O'Neal just reacted to the news today tweeting, "There's no words to express the pain I'm going through with this tragedy of losing my niece, Gigi, and my brother, Kobe Bryant. I love you and you will be missed. My condolences go out to the Bryant family and the other families of the passengers on board. I'm sick right now," he writes.
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[16:55:24]
CABRERA: I want to show you something now that just came in. The "San Antonio Spurs" and the "Toronto Raptors", each just took a 24-second violation to honor Kobe Bryant. Meaning, each team held the ball for the entirety of the shot clock without attempting a basket.
Kobe Bryant wore number 24 toward the second half of his career. So, again, this is the moment that is touching the basketball world and people all around the world today.
CNN's most recent interview with Kobe Bryant was with our Andy Scholes in sports. He was in Los Angeles just 11 days ago at a season launch event for major league soccer. And Andy Scholes is joining us now. So, tell us what that conversation was like, Andy?
ANDY SCHOLES, CNN SPORTS ANCHOR: Well, it was a great conversation. Every time you have interacted with Kobe in my life, it was always awesome, you know.
Kobe Bryant, you know, I was lucky enough to interact with him in two stages of my life. I was a "Houston Rockets" ball boy back when I -- during my college days. And, you know, there's lots of superstar players you come across in that job. And Kobe Bryant couldn't have been nicer every time the "Lakers" came to town.
He always took time to sign autographs, take pictures with all the ball boys or anyone who asked him. And when I sat down with Kobe for that interview, you know, I showed him a picture of me and him from back in 2004. He laughed and said, you know, we were both youngsters back then. It was -- it was a great moment for me as just a fan of Kobe Bryant. And it was just another example of how he was just always so nice.
And I thanked him, you know. I said, you know what, it always meant so much to everyone that you were always so nice. And he just kind of nodded his head and smiled.
But we talked about a number of topics during that interview and here was our interview from January 15th.
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SCHOLES: You were one of the early investors in the "BODYARMOR". It's grown so much over the years. How cool is it now to be a partner with major league soccer?
KOBE BRYANT, NBA STAR: You know, it's crazy. I mean, because when we first started the company, we're such a small company. And we had this vision of doing these big things and servicing the athletes and educating them on nutrition and hydration.
And we find ourselves here now in partnership with MLS. And MLS is -- I mean, they've taken off too. I mean, this is coming up on 25 years now. And the game has done nothing but grow. And so, to have this relationship together is -- we look forward to doing some big things.
SCHOLES: I know you're big Barcelona fan. How do you think they're going to fair? And where do you think Messi ranks in terms of best athletes in the world right now?
BRYANT: I think he's one of the best athletes of all time, you know, his tenacity, the intelligence with which he plays as well as his skill just puts him head and shoulders above the rest. Now, Cristiano is right there with him.
But hey, Barcelona right now going through the transition period, changing manager, there's a lot of questions to be answered. But I think they'll figure it out.
SCHOLES: Now, the NBA fans love to debate, you know, which team from which era was better. Shaq recently weighed in saying that he absolutely thinks you and him would have beaten this current "Lakers" team with LeBron and Anthony Davis. What's your take on that hypothetical match-up?
BRYANT: I don't weigh in on hypotheticals. Because as a competitor, you can't -- there's nothing you could do about them. You can't debate yourself to winning something, right? That was the beauty about sports. As you compete, you either win or you lose. In the debate culture, there's never a clear winner.
SCHOLES: Right.
BRYANT: But it's fun to hear.
SCHOLES: You recently said your daughter, Gigi, got you back into watching a lot of NBA.
BRYANT: Yes.
SCHOLES: You've taken her to a bunch of games this year sitting courtside with her. As you watch games with her and coach her through her basketball journey, I want to get your take on if you think a woman could ever play in the NBA one day?
BRYANT: Play in the NBA? I think there are a couple of players that can play in the NBA right now, honestly. I mean, there's a lot of players that have a lot of skill that can do it -- Diana Taurasi, Maya Moore, Elena Delle Donne. I mean, there's a lot of great players out there. So, they could most certainly keep up with them.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
SCHOLES: Yes. Again, that interview was just 11 days ago, Ana, just devastating, devastating. And it's even more devastating to find out that his daughter, Gigi, was on that helicopter with him.
CABRERA: Really, it's so sad. Thank you very much, Andy, for your reporting. VOICE-OVER: This is CNN breaking news.
CABRERA: Thank you for staying with me. You are live in the CNN NEWSROOM. I'm Ana Cabrera in New York. It's breaking news right now on CNN.
Shock and sadness spreading around the world as details now emerge about the death today of NBA superstar Kobe Bryant. He was killed a few hours ago in a helicopter crash in Southern California. And we've just learned his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, was also on that helicopter and she also died.
Any moment now, we are expecting to hear from the Los Angeles County sheriff's office. They will update us with any new information and we'll go there live as soon as those officials are ready to speak.
