Clippers star Kawhi Leonard reacts to the passing of Kobe Bryant

It has been a difficult time for the entire NBA and sports world over the last few days after the tragic loss of Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna, who were the two of the nine lives lost in a helicopter crash on Sunday.

There have been many grieving from the loss, especially those that have developed a strong bond with Bryant. Kawhi Leonard is among those as it’s something that he still hasn’t come to grips with it being reality at his point, according to Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN.

“It’s sad every day,” Leonard said. “You know, you kind of feel like life isn’t real once you start seeing these little monuments or the pictures that people are putting up with his face and the year he was born and the year he died. It’s not all come together yet.”

It has hit further home as Leonard shared the same helicopter pilot that Bryant had. That has even pushed to him question whether he should even fly via helicopter anymore, given the tragic manner that his mentor lost life.

Leonard, like many others in the league, had a great deal of respect and admiration for Bryant. He had developed a strong bond as he worked out with the future Hall of Famer over the offseason.

There is no telling how long this will take for everyone to get come to terms with or if it will ever be the same. It’s something that has rocked the sports world and beyond.