BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — It's been one day since the sports world and communities across the globe were paralyzed by the sudden death of legendary NBA all-star Kobe Bryant.
Bakersfield, a city just outside of Los Angeles, is also in the midst of shock.
Kobe Bryant played at the then-Rabobank Arena in downtown two times with the Los Angeles Lakers.
They played once in 2005 against the Washington Wizards and a few years later against the Seattle Supersonics in 2007 -- it was that game that Bakersfield resident Alondra Perez looks back on, in the light of the tragic news.
"I was like nine years old, I remember my dad had gotten us tickets," Perez said.
"We were sitting on court side seats and I remember just seeing Kobe playing," Perez added, noting that Bryant was her inspiration.
Prominent figures from Bakersfield posted on Twitter to show their support.
Republican congressman Kevin McCarthy tweeted a photo he took with Bryant, saying his prayers are with the family.
Officials are still investigating the cause of the helicopter crash that killed Bryant, his daughter Gianna, and seven others.
