The Boston Celtics will play the Los Angeles Lakers at the Staples Center on Feb. 23, but it seems they will stick around for at least another day.

Adam Himmelsbach of the Boston Globe reported the Celtics have pushed back their Feb. 24 flight so as to allow players and staff to attend Kobe Bryant's memorial, which will be held that same day:

The Celtics will pay their respects to both Kobe and his daughter, Gianna, both of whom were killed in a fatal helicopter accident that also killed seven others in late January. The date (2/24) was chosen as an ode to Gianna and Kobe, who wore the nos. 2 and 24, respectively.

This is a rather fitting show of respect from the organization. The Celtics and Lakers have been rivals for years, but some things are much bigger than basketball.

Some current Celtics players have ties to Bryant. Swingman Jayson Tatum has said numerous times over the years he has tried to apply the “Mamba Mentaility” to his own game, and he also took to Instagram following news of Bryant's death (via Justin Leger of NBC Sports Boston):

Heart broken. My Hero. My Idol. The reason I started to play this game, the reason I fell in love with this game. Growing up wanting to be just like you, to you becoming a mentor, beyond thankful for everything you’ve done for me. … You inspired me and I am forever grateful more than you know! Love you Bean! Sad, sad, sad day RIP Kobe and Gianna! Praying for the family!

The Celtics and Lakers will do battle that Sunday, but they will put aside their differences to honor one of the greatest players in NBA history on Monday.