Many across China are mourning the death of American basketball great Kobe Bryant, leaving comments on his last Weibo post.
American basketball great Kobe Bryant wishes the people of China a Happy Lunar New Year. [Photo/CGTN screenshot]
The former Los Angeles Lakers player recently wished the people of China a Happy Lunar New Year.
A screenshot of Kobe Bryant's weibo account. [Photo/weibo.com]
Bryant was the most popular NBA star in China, even three years after retiring, according to a 2019 report by the Mailman Group, a digital sports marketing company.
Shortly after his helicopter crashed, his death was one of the most-searched topics on Weibo.
Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Kobe Bryant finished with 21 points during an NBA Game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center on Jan 19, 2011. [Photo/sipaphoto.com]
According to Marketwatch, Bryant's number 24 Lakers jersey was the top-selling jersey in China for years.
Kobe Bryant holds trophies to celebrate victory. [Photo/CGTN]
In 2009 Bryant became a cultural ambassador for the Asia Society and started the Kobe Bryant China Fund, a charity that raises money for youth programs in China.
Los Angeles Lakers Kobe Bryant slam dunks against the Sacramento Kings during their NBA basketball game in Los Angeles, California, Jan 28, 2011. [Photo/Agencies]
Bryant visited China frequently, recently calling it his "second home."
Utah Jazz fans set up temporary memorial in front of Vivint Smart Home Arena in memory of former NBA great Kobe Bryant who was killed in a helicopter crash Sunday. [Photo/Agencies]
