We were reminded the hard way on Sunday. These NBA players are much more than those who provide highlight-reel plays on the court.
They are people, too. They have real emotions with real relationships. Following the tragic death of Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant at the age of 41 in an helicopter accident, this became all too real.
One day after the fact, and many people are still having a hard time processing the tragedy.
The Lakers are doing what they can to help their employees. That includes the organization bringing in grief counselors to help, both in one-on-one and group settings.
This is the right way to do things. Lakers players will be forced to take to the court against the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday. No matter what transpires between now than then, they will be doing so with heavy hearts.
At the very least, some professionals can help the likes of LeBron James and Co. continue with their grieving process.
Bryant was among nine killed in Southern California late Sunday morning. That included his daughter Gianna.
Our thoughts continue to go out to the Bryant family, the Lakers organization and the families of those impacted by the tragedy.