Los Angeles Clippers head coach Doc Rivers has been through a lot in his career in the NBA. The news of Kobe Bryant’s heartbreaking death on Sunday left Rivers more devastated and emotional than ever as he reacted to the news of Kobe’s death.
Speaking to reporters in Los Angeles, Rivers was unable to speak for several moments as he was overcome with grief. As he talked about Bryant’s impact on the game and how much he meant to him, even more tears and pain came from his voice.
Rivers competed against Bryant at the beginning of Bryant’s career. When Rivers moved into coaching, he got even more opportunities to coach against one of the NBA’s greatest competitors and most unstoppable players in the history of the game.
The two had grown even closer since Bryant’s retirement with Rivers now working in Los Angeles. Rivers also shared how he saw the special impact that Bryant’s life and tragic death had on the young players in the Clippers’ locker room.
The entire NBA world is grieving right now and dealing with a sudden pain that will last for a while. Bryant’s impact on the game and countless lives will never be forgotten.
As Rivers’ emotions showed, NBA players and coaches will be playing with a heavy heart in the days and weeks to come.