Jimmy Fallon opened his show by paying tribute to Kobe Bryant on Monday night's episode of The Tonight Show. The host recalled the time he and Bryant saved a Los Angeles party by going on a beer run to a store that only delivered, where Bryant (who was 17-years-old at the time) used his Lakers status to persuade the guy to sell them five cases of beer. Later, Fallon choked up while reminiscing about the conversations he and Bryant had about their families, and declared, "Kobe was such a life force. So strong, creative, and inspired, and in my head, I thought he was going to live forever." Fallon ended his tribute by adding, "Let's honor Kobe, Gianna, and the other lives thought were lost by following his example: Love your family, love your teammates, and out work everyone else in the gym… Kobe, when we meet again, we’re going on a beer run."
On Monday’s episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live, the host canceled his usual programming, dedicating his show to Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna, and seven of their friends who were also killed in the helicopter crash on Sunday. Kimmel called the former NBA player a "hero" and a "bright light," even after acknowledging that Bryant wasn't a "perfect person." "He loved his family, he worked very hard and he brought a lot of joy to a lot of people in this city," the host added. After fighting back tears while praising the Laker legend, who appeared on his show 15 times, Kimmel shared some of his favorite moments with Bryant.