After the postponement of Tuesday night game's against the Clippers, the Los Angeles Lakers suited up Friday night for their first game since NBA legend Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna's untimely passing. The team had several tributes to the 18-time All-Star, providing #8 and #24 jerseys for the crowd, as well as reserving two empty seats.
Staples Center also illuminated both jerseys on the rafters, while the crowd responded with MVP chants. The Lakers all-time great had five championships in his 20-year career, along with a 2008 MVP, four All-star MVPs, and two final MVPs. The recognition was also observed during the Grammy Awards on Sunday, held on the same arena, hours after the horrific accident.
MVP Chants for Kobe while they light up his retired jerseys. pic.twitter.com/ZM9IsDmLHi
— Lakers Outsiders (@LakersOutsiders) February 1, 2020
This was only the start of an emotional tribute. Aside from a Kobe chant seemingly every thirty seconds, the fans also shouted Gianna Bryant's nickname “GiGi,” all while her teammates sat front row. They had also lost two other fellow players on the tragic accident.
Consequently, the Lakers players also took the court wearing the Black Mamba's numbers for their pre-game workout, with all 5 starters later on introduced as “6'6″…from Lower Merion High School, Kobe Bryant.” A dedication video was also displayed on the big screen, leaving very few dry eyes. Soon after, James took the stage and delivered an emotional speech about the basketball superstar, and ended the pre-game ceremony with an homage to the beloved player's retirement speech, saying, “In the words of Kobe Bryant, ‘Mamba out.' But in the words of us, ‘Not forgotten.' Live on, brother.”
LeBron concluded the pre-game ceremony by taking the microphone and speaking for a few minutes.
He finished with the following words…
“In the words of Kobe Bryant, ‘Mamba out.’ But in the words of us, ‘Not forgotten.’ Live on, brother.”
— Mike Bresnahan (@Mike_Bresnahan) February 1, 2020
The Los Angeles Lakers are playing against star point guard Damian Lillard and the Portland Trailblazers, and everyone is hoping to see James and the rest of the team go all out in the game dedicated to the beloved all-time great.
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