Latest: The 2020 Grammy Awards

People gather around a makeshift memorial for former Los Angeles Lakers player Kobe Bryant after learning of his death Sunday at LA Live plaza in front of Staples Center in Los Angeles. FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images

The death of NBA star Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna in a helicopter crash Sunday is sure to cast a pall over the Grammys.

Bryant was beloved as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers, who play at the Staples Center -- where the Grammy Awards are set to be held Sunday night.

Fans gathered outside the arena and set up makeshift memorials to honor the basketball legend, 41.

Some on social media noted that the Grammys plan to play tribute to another beloved Los Angeles star: rapper Nipsey Hussle, who was shot and killed last March near his Los Angeles clothing store.

Nipsey, who was 33 when he died, is nominated for three posthumous Grammys.

Grammy award winning singer John Legend tweeted Sunday that he was "so sad and stunned right now."

"In Staples Arena, where Kobe created so many memories for all of us, preparing to pay tribute to another brilliant man we lost too soon, Nipsey Hussle," Legend wrote. "Life can be so brutal and senseless sometimes. Hold on to your loved ones. We miss you, Kobe."

Staples is also where, in 2017, the Lakers retired both of Bryant's jersey numbers ( #8 & #24), the first time that had been done for a player.

Let's block ads! (Why?)