NBA legend Kobe Bryant was killed in a helicopter crash near Los Angeles on Sunday.

Bryant played for the Los Angeles Lakers for 20 years, retiring in 2016.

Al McCoy, the longtime announcer for the Phoenix Suns, remembered Bryant not just as a great player, but as a giant who contributed to the greater sport of basketball.

"He spent his time working with young players, and always had good things to say as he would try and make even players who were playing against him better," McCoy said. "And in talking to him, his love for the sport was always what was so impressive to me. He loved to talk about the game, he loved to talk about other players, and how they could become better."

McCoy says Bryant was a formidable opponent for the Suns — one of the toughest the team ever faced.

Bryant was 41 years old.