CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Authorities confirmed a helicopter carrying NBA icon Kobe Bryant crashed Sunday in California with no survivors. The sports world, celebrities, fans and even world leaders reacted with shock and disbelief at the news.

NBA teams continued to pay tribute to Bryant Tuesday night, including the Charlotte Hornets at a home game against the New York Knicks.

There were reminders of Bryant throughout the Spectrum Center.

A video tribute honored Bryant’s career was followed by a moment of silence from the crowd.

Hornets players wore arm sleeves, one of Bryant’s signature looks, the coaching staff wore the All-Star’s line of sneakers and fans proudly donned Kobe Bryant jerseys.

Bryant, 41, was an 18-time All-Star and a five-time NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers, but some might forget he had ties to Charlotte.

Almost 24 years ago, the Hornets drafted him out of high school.

"With the 13th pick in the 1996 NBA draft, the Charlotte Hornets select Kobe Bryant from Lower Merion High School in Pennsylvania," NBA Commissioner David Stern announced more than two decades ago.

Bryant never played for the Hornets, though. The team immediately traded him to the Lakers, where he spent his entire 20-year career.

Hornets, past and present, remember life, legacy of NBA legend Kobe Bryant

Bryant once said he modeled his game after Hornets owner, Michael Jordan.

"I am in shock over the tragic news of Kobe's and Gianna's passing,” Jordan said Sunday. “Words can't describe the pain I'm feeling. I loved Kobe -- he was like a little brother to me. We used to talk often, and I will miss those conversations very much."

On Monday morning, the Spectrum Center was displaying an image of Bryant as a tribute.

Forward Marvin Williams is one of three current Hornets who competed against Bryant.

“I think all of us, at some point, grew up watching him, whether they competed against him, whether you were his peer or someone that was younger than him watching him,” Williams said Monday. “All of us took something from him.”

Forward Miles Bridges recalled meeting Bryant at a basketball camp when he was 16-years-old.

“Once Kobe walked in the gym, it’s just like everybody just stopped and was watching him. Everybody froze, like, ‘Oh, that’s Kobe,’” Bridges said.

Hornets, past and present, remember life, legacy of NBA legend Kobe Bryant Hornets, past and present, remember life, legacy of NBA legend Kobe Bryant

“It was great for me to be able to meet him, and it’s a tough loss for the NBA and the world,” Bridges said.

Charlotte Hornets President of Basketball Operations and General Manager Mitch Kupchak, who served as Lakers’ GM for the final two championships won with Kobe, released the following statement on the passing of Bryant and his daughter:

“I’m deeply saddened and shocked by today’s tragic news of the passing of Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna.

“I had the privilege of witnessing up close, from start to finish, Kobe’s remarkable 20-year NBA career with the Los Angeles Lakers. His accomplishments were truly extraordinary – a five-time NBA champion, two-time NBA Finals MVP, two-time Olympic gold medalist and NBA MVP – and he will be remembered as one of the game’s all-time greats.

“Kobe was one of the fiercest competitors the NBA has ever known. Who will ever forget his Game 7 performance in the 2010 NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics? Despite his own and our entire team’s shooting struggles, he willed us to win with 23 points – 10 coming in the fourth quarter – and 15 rebounds. That game epitomized his drive, his passion and his desire to win. Although the game was close throughout, I always felt that one way or another he would not let us lose.

“Kobe’s toughness on the basketball court was second to none. He played through injuries and sickness, oftentimes defying doctors’ and ownership’s recommendations to not play, in an effort to never miss a game. Kobe was a once-in-a-generation player who will forever be remembered for his competitive nature and his will to win. They threw away the mold when Kobe Bryant was born. There will never be another like him.

“My deepest condolences, and those of the entire Hornets organization, go out to his wife, Vanessa, and their entire family, as well as to the Lakers organization and loyal Lakers fans all over the world.”

[PHOTOS: Kobe Bryant through the years]

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Former Hornet guard, Kemba Walker, who now plays for the Celtics, met Bryant in high school and said the star’s presence had a profound impact on him.

“The biggest thing for me was his work ethic and his mentality about the game,” Walker said. “That’s what has inspired me the most, personally.”

NBA icon Kobe Bryant killed in helicopter crash in California NBA icon Kobe Bryant killed in helicopter crash in California

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