Kobe Bryant reactions range from brutal to bizarre

Vision of Tiger Woods being told about the death of Kobe Bryant immediately after finishing a round at a PGA Tour event has emerged.

The 24 hours following the tragic death of Kobe Bryant and his daughter in a helicopter crash in LA have provided so much content it’s been hard to keep up.

Here’s some of the most viral reactions you may have missed.

STUNNING MOMENT TIGER HEARS NEWS

Bryant’s life ended about 15 minutes after Tiger Woods’ final round at the Farmers Insurance Open began at Torrey Pines.

When they were on the ninth hole, Woods’ caddie, Joe LaCava, was informed by two on-course reporters about the tragic helicopter crash that took the lives of Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter in a fiery crash in the fog in Calabasas, California.

LaCava, knowing Woods had a close relationship with the former Lakers star, made the immediate decision not to tell him.

“I thought it would be better off not telling him,’’ LaCava told The Post. “I didn’t think he’d be to the point where he couldn’t play golf, but I figured I’d wait to the end. It was too much of distraction. I waited until we got into the tunnel on 18 (after his round was complete) to tell him, because I didn’t want the cameras on him and see the shock on his face.’’

Vision of LaCava breaking the news to Woods emerged after the round. “I have something shocking to tell you,” LaCava said. “Kobe Bryant died in a helicopter crash this morning.”

Woods’ reaction was the same as so many. “Excuse me?” he said, in stunned disbelief.

The long-time Lakers fan later revealed his confusion at having fans in the gallery on the 18th green imploring him to “do it for Mamba”.

“I didn’t really understand,” Woods said. “But now I (do) … it’s a shock to everyone, unbelievably sad.”

FOOTBALL LEGEND’S COPYCAT CONDOLENCES

Ex-Real Madrid star Luis Figo posted a heartfelt message about Bryant — but was called out for copying Cristiano Ronaldo.

In what was either the most bizarre of coincidences or perhaps a sign both players share the same social media assistants, Figo’s script was identical to the Juventus striker’s but posted three hours later.

So sad to hear the heartbreaking news of the deaths of Kobe and his daughter Gianna. Kobe was a true legend and inspiration to so many. Sending my condolences to his family and friends and the families of all who lost their lives in the crash. RIP Legend💔 pic.twitter.com/qKb3oiDHxH

— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) January 26, 2020

So sad to hear the heartbreaking news of the deaths of Kobe and his daughter Gianna. Kobe was a true legend and inspiration to so many. Sending my condolences to his family and friends and the families of all who lost their lives in the crash. RIP Legend💔 pic.twitter.com/8jYxfohLlj

— Luís Figo (@LuisFigo) January 27, 2020

DWIGHT’S EERIE PROPHECY

An interview Lakers centre Dwight Howard gave the day before Bryant’s death has resurfaced — and it’s spooky.

Asked about teammate LeBron James passing Bryant on the all-time scoring list, Howard said: “We don’t appreciate each other as much as we should as a humanity. Something like that should be appreciated. We should appreciate people while they’re alive, and accomplishments like that is something we don’t typically see.”

Dwight Howard said this last night after LeBron passed Kobe on the all-time scoring list: "We don’t appreciate each other as much as we should as a humanity. Something like that should be appreciated. We should appreciate people while they’re alive." pic.twitter.com/2bxWmSiW3O

— Andrew Joseph (@AndyJ0seph) January 27, 2020

PERK ATTEMPTS TO SQUASH BEEF

Former NBA star Kendrick Perkins was moved to extend an olive branch to former teammate Kevin Durant in the wake of Bryant’s death.

The pair had a public feud two weeks ago after Durant reacted to Perkins labelling Russell Westbrook — and not KD — the best player to ever represent the Oklahoma City Thunder.

“Just wanted to tell you I Love you my brother and whatever I did to hurt you I’m sorry bro and hope you forgive me!!! I love you bro real Talk! @KDTrey5,” Perkins tweeted.

Durant, who is out for the season (Achilles) after signing with the Nets this off-season, hasn’t publicly responded to Perkins.

CARTOON NAILS BRYANT MOMENT

Front pages across the globe were dedicated to the NBA legend — including this perfect cartoon from the Manila Times.

A cartoon from the Manila Times.

RAPTOR READY TO SWAP NUMBERS

The current crop of NBA players grew up idolising Bryant, including Toronto Raptors player Norman Powell.

Powell plays in sneakers from Nike’s Kobe signature line and wears the No. 24 in his honour. But he’s ready to give it up if the NBA wants to retire the number league-wide.

“Yes, definitely. The reason why I wear 24 is because of Kobe. So, whatever it takes to honour him, (he’s) one of the greatest to ever do it,” Powell said.

“If they want to retire 24, I’ll find a new number. Go to 8, go to something, but find a way to relate back to Kobe somehow, someway.”

IVERSON’S FAVOURITE KOBE MEMORY

Kobe Bryant and Allen Iverson in the 2001 NBA Finals.

One of Bryant’s toughest competitors, Allen Iverson, said he was “devastated and heartbroken” in a statement released on Tuesday (AEDT).

“One memory of him that I can’t stop thinking about,” Iverson wrote. “It was our rookie season and my first trip to LA for a game against the Lakers. He came to my hotel, picked me up and took me to a restaurant. When we returned before he left, he asked me, ‘what are you going to do tonight?’ My reply was, ‘I’m going to the club, what are going to do?’ He said, ‘I’m going to the gym’.”

LAKERS STAR A FAN LIKE EVERYONE ELSE

Thousands of Lakers fans gathered outside Staples Centre in LA to pay tribute to Bryant — among them current player Quinn Cook.

Quinn Cook mourning Kobe outside of Staples Center yesterday.

(via @Skehps) pic.twitter.com/ES5ZiQIbGC

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 27, 2020