Vogel: Telling some Lakers about deaths of Kobe and Gianna was 'daunting'

Los Angeles Lakers head coach Frank Vogel addressed the media Wednesday for the first time since Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, were among nine people who died in a helicopter crash Sunday.

The 46-year-old learned of the news as the team was flying back to Los Angeles from Bryant's hometown of Philadelphia, and he had to tell some of his players about the tragedy.

"I just wanted to make sure everybody knew," Vogel told reporters, including Spectrum SportsNet's Mike Trudell. "Some of them had seen the reports, some had not. It was a daunting task, grabbing each guy one-on-one and letting them know."

The passing of Bryant and his daughter really hit home for Vogel. The Lakers' bench boss is a proud father of two daughters, and he could relate to the pride Bryant took in raising his children.

Once Vogel landed in Los Angeles, he immediately went home and hugged his family.

"Him being a father to daughters (and) being involved in their sports was the most incredible thing in his life, from my observations," Vogel said, according to Sports Illustrated's Melissa Rohlin. "And it's the most important thing in my life. I love being the coach of the Lakers. But it doesn't come close to comparing to my family time."

Vogel was the only member of the organization to speak Wednesday, but multiple players have taken to social media to pay their respects to the Lakers legend, including LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

Guard Quinn Cook, who was a Lakers fan growing up, will reportedly change his number to 28, honoring Bryant's No. 8 and Gianna's No. 2.

The NBA postponed the Lakers' scheduled game on Tuesday against the Los Angeles Clippers out of respect to the club. The team's next game at the Staples Center is slated for Friday against the Portland Trail Blazers.