The LA Kings issued the following statement regarding the passing of LA Lakers legend Kobe Bryant:

"The LA Kings and AEG Sports join our Southern California community and the entire sports and entertainment world in offering condolences to everyone affected by today's terrible accident as we have lost a friend in Kobe Bryant and his young daughter, Gianna.

"Kobe's incredible passion and leadership are traits our organization have long admired. We enjoyed working with him and appreciated the support he showed our hockey club over the years.

"We have lost an unbelievable talent, and a very young and spirited soul, and our thoughts and prayers go to all those grieving as a result of this horrible tragedy, in particular, Vanessa, Natalia, Bianka and Capri Bryant, and the Lakers Family."