Kobe Bryant tells Belgian fans: 'Words can't really express our concern'

LOS ANGELES -- Lakers icon Kobe Bryant had words of compassion for Belgium after terrorist bombings in Brussels killed 31 people and injured more than 300 earlier this week.

Following his team's 116-105 loss to the Denver Nuggets on Friday, Bryant was asked about the attack by a reporter who said she was from Belgium.

"So, for all of the Belgian fans who have been loving you throughout this years, what would you -- you know, they're going through a difficult time -- what would you want to tell them?" the reporter asked.

"That our thoughts and prayers are with them," Bryant said. "Words can't really express our concern level and understanding with them and what is going on. Just try to be as sympathetic as possible, as compassionate as possible and hopefully they'll know that we have their back 100 percent."

The reporter presented Bryant with gifts and later asked, "May I hug you?" Bryant obliged.

Bryant is retiring this summer after 20 years in the NBA. He has won five championships and is the third all-time leading scorer in NBA history.