Los Angeles Clippers All-Star Kawhi Leonard dedicated Sunday night's game in Amway Center to one of the NBA's all-time greats, Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant.
Kobe recently passed away in a tragic helicopter crash. His 13-year-old daughter, Gianna ‘Gigi' Bryant, was also one of the victims along with seven others.
After winning a championship last season with the Toronto Raptors, Leonard signed a deal with the Clippers, who shared an arena — the Staples Center — with the Lakers. The Purple and Gold franchise were the only team Bryant played for in his entire 20-year career.
In a post-game interview, the Clippers forward spoke of this connection:
“Words can't explain his impact he had on this floor … We're a team from L.A. so we know L.A.'s history with him, and it's just sad,” Kawhi Leonard said of Kobe Bryant.
Additionally, Leonard spoke highly of the famed shooting guard's love for the game.
“Knowing him personally, I know he'd want me to come out here and try to ball and still just be great,” shared Leonard, who is also a Los Angeles native.
Kawhi played for Kobe today: “Knowing him personally, I know he’d want me to come out here and try to ball and still just be great … Words can't explain his impact he had on this floor." pic.twitter.com/NAks6AMe29
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 27, 2020
To pay tribute, the Clippers and Magic took a 24-second violation and an 8-second backcourt violation respectively, a homage to the two jersey numbers Bryant wore throughout his storied career. Many teams that played a game Sunday night notably did the same to honor the Lakers legend.
Los Angeles eventually won the game 112-97, with Leonard taking his dedication to heart and posting up 31 points, 14 rebounds and seven assists for his team. Kawhi, who noted knowing Bryant personally, previously had a workout session with the Mamba last 2018.
The Clippers will be playing the Lakers next on what is sure to be an emotional Tuesday night.
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