The global basketball fraternity has been paying glowing tribute to five-time NBA champion and Los Angeles Lakers legend  Kobe Bryant who was killed in a helicopter crash on a hillside in Calabasas, California on Sunday. He was 41.

His second daughter, 13-year-old Gianna, was among the nine people who died in the crash. Other victims included John Altobelli, former baseball head coach of Orange Coast College, his wife Kerith and daughter Alyssa, Katrina Foley, mayor of Costa Mesa and a female basketball coach Christina Mauser.

The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the crash, assisted by the FBI.

Fans mourned Bryant's death both at the Staples Center, home court of the Lakers, and Lower Merion High School in Pennsylvania, where he spent four years as a student.

"The NBA family is devastated by the tragic passing of Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna…, " the NBA said in a statement. "He will be remembered most for inspiring people around the world to pick up a basketball and compete to the very best of their ability. He was generous with the wisdom he acquired and saw it as his mission to share it with future generations of players, taking special delight in passing down his love of the game to Gianna. We send our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Vanessa, and their family, the Lakers organization and the entire sports world."  

Bryant's last post on Twitter was to congratulate LeBron James for surpassing him on the NBA career scoring leaders table on Saturday. James learnt of Bryant's death when the Lakers' plane landed in California and he was seen wiping away tears.

The whole NBA reacted to the tragic news. Team that played on Sunday committed eight- and 24-second violations intentionally to pay respect to Bryant who had his No. 8 and No. 24 jerseys retired by the Lakers.

Arenas including the Pepsi Center in Denver, the Chase Center in San Francisco and the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento turned on purple and gold lights to mourn the Lakers legend. Other landmark buildings in the U.S. like the Empire State Building, the High Roller in Las Vegas, the InterContinental in LA also followed the example.

"I am in shock over the tragic news of Kobe's and Gianna's passing," Michael Jordan said. "Words can't describe the pain I'm feeling. I loved Kobe – he was like a little brother to me. 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. Yvette joins me in sending my deepest condolences to Vanessa, the Lakers organization and basketball fans around the world."

"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," posted six-time NBA champion Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

"The news we've all received today is the most devastating news that anyone can imagine. I am so saddened for Kobe's parents, Vanessa, Natalia, Bianka, Capri, Kobe's sisters and all of the NBA fans that hold Kobe in their hearts. This loss of Kobe, Gianna, and everyone on board is beyond tragic and incomprehensible. I will love Kobe forever and always cherish the time that I spent with him. I watched him grow from an energetic kid into the man he became, making a difference in so many people's (lives). He has left the world a better place. Kobe's legacy will live forever," posted "Logo" Jerry West, who brought Bryant to the Lakers in 1996.

"My heart is broken for Kobe and his family. I'll never forget the battles but what I really admired was the father he was to his girls. Rest In Peace old friend with your angel Gianna," wrote two-time NBA MVP Steve Nash.

"My friend, a legend, husband, father, son, brother, Oscar winner and greatest Laker of all-time is gone. It's hard to accept. Kobe was a leader of our game, a mentor to both male and female players," tweeted another Lakers legend Earvin "Magic" Johnson.

"This is painful!!! I've known this man since he was 15 & I was 16. AAU teammates to competing against him for 18 seasons in the NBA. We were literally talking in these pics how I will enjoy retirement and that we would have a convo soon on how to go through it," posted Vince Carter.

"There's no words to express the pain Im going through with this tragedy of loosing my neice Gigi & my brother @kobebryant I love u and u will be missed. My condolences goes out to the Bryant family and the families of the other passengers on board. IM SICK RIGHT NOW," posted Shaquille O'Neal.

"I am at a loss for words. Kobe and Gianna you will never be forgotten. What a blessing to see your impact you have had in this world, Kobe. Prayers for the Bryant family. Rest In Peace, little brother and Gigi," tweeted Hall of Famer Karl Malone.

"Beyond devastated... my big brother... I can't, I just can't believe it," wrote Pau Gasol.

"This is hitting me really hard. I will always remember coming home after games so I could watch you dominate in the fourth quarter! You inspired so many around the world, including me. You will always be missed You will always be remembered You will always be loved Rest in peace with your angel Gigi. Deepest sympathies to Vanessa, the girls and all the friends and families of the lives lost today," posted Dirk Nowitzki.

"Jeannine & I are absolutely shocked to hear of the loss of one of my favorite people & one of the best basketball minds in the history of the game! Our hearts & prayers to Vanessa & his girls. @kobebryant you were my biggest fan, but I was yours #RIPMAMBA," tweeted 11-time NBA champion Bill Russell.

"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," said Mark Cuban, owner of the Dallas Mavericks.

"Heroes come and go LEGENDS live forever!! #8 #24" wrote "the Flash" Dwyane Wade.

"Uhhhh. Noooo…life is too precious. RIP Kobe," posted Jeremy Lin.

"When I was dealing with difficulty, I never expected to receive encouragement from you. Thank you for everything. Mamba Mentality lives on forever," posted Zhai Xiaochuan of the CBA's Beijing Ducks.

"I woke up, learning this tragic news. What the hell is wrong with this year," wrote Zhao Jiwei of the CBA's Liaoning Flying Leopards.

"We both suffered finger fractures. I rested for one and a half months but you did not even take one day off. That's when I learnt what persistence meant from you. You once told me that it's you who's trying to challenge injury, but it's basketball who's calling you. Thank you, Kobe. I hope you and Gigi continue to enjoy basketball in heaven. We will always remember you. Rest in peace to the legend," wrote Chinese basketball ace Yi Jianlian.

"You have brought countless strengths and touching moments to so many people and I 'm one of them. You said 24 means doing your best for every hour of the day so I never spare myself even when I'm exhausted. You said darkness and light come together so I always remain confident facing difficulties. Mamba Mentality will never die but to be remembered by more and more," posted Ding Yanyuhang.

People outside basketball paid their tributes as well. "It was simply too hard to believe when I woke up in the morning and learnt Kobe's passing. I still have the photo taken with him at the Summer Olympics in Beijing 12 years ago. Our teams were training together back then. Kobe's experience has encouraged so many youngsters. His legacies are a legendary life in which dreams came true and the powerful driving force that will keep encouraging people to work for their dreams. We will always remember this great athlete," said Lang Ping, head coach of the Chinese women's national volleyball team.

Brazilian ace striker Neymar scored two goals to help Paris-Saint Germain defeat Lille in Ligue 1 on Sunday. Having made the second via penalty kick, Neymar flashed the numbers two and four before pointing at the sky to pay tribute Bryant. "I went to see the messages on social media at half-time, I saw that Kobe is dead. It is a great sadness for the world of sport, and for all of us. Not just for basketball fans, but also for everything he did for the sport," said the Brazilian after the game.

"I have no words… all my love for Kobe's family and friends. It was a pleasure to meet you and share good times together. You were a genius like few others," wrote six-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi on Instagram.

"So sad to hear the heartbreaking news of the deaths of Kobe and his daughter Gianna. Kobe was a true legend and inspiration to so many. Sending my condolences to his family and friends and the families of all who lost their lives in the crash. RIP Legend," posted Cristiano Ronaldo.