The entire Los Angeles Lakers franchise is still in mourning after the devastating helicopter crash that took the lives of Kobe Bryant and eight others last Sunday.
Playing in their first official game at Staples Center since the harrowing accident, the current Lakers ensemble paid tribute to the basketball icon that is Bryant by donning his iconic No. 8 and No. 24 jerseys during warmups of their match against the Portland Trail Blazers.
The Lakers are all wearing No. 8 and No. 24 Kobe jerseys in warmups. pic.twitter.com/itgSPGtG3N
— ESPN (@espn) February 1, 2020
Fans inside the arena also commemorated Kobe Bryant's honor with a standing ovation as the team emerged out of the tunnel.
Tonight's game against Portland will indeed by one emotionally-charged challenge for the Lakers.
Aside from the Lakers, the Detroit Pistons also came up with the same gesture by donning the number 8 and 24 jerseys during pre-game introductions in their match against the Cleveland Cavaliers earlier this week.
Several NBA players have also opted to change their 8 and 24 jersey numbers in honor of Bryant, including Brooklyn Nets guard Spencer Dinwiddie and Orlando Magic guard Terrence Ross, among others.
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