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The Los Angeles Clippers are leaving Kobe Bryant's retired jerseys uncovered as they host the Sacramento Kings at Staples Center on Thursday night, per Tomer Azarly of ClutchPoints.
Clippers players also wore warm ups with a “KB24” patch stitched on the front and the No. 24 on the back as they honor Bryant, who–along with his daughter Gianna and seven others–tragically died in a helicopter crash on Sunday morning in Calabasas.
The Clippers have also left Kobe Bryant’s retired Lakers jerseys 8 and 24 uncovered for tonight’s game against the Kings. pic.twitter.com/aA21bWffvk
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) January 31, 2020
The Lakers might be a crosstown rival on the court, but the Clippers organization is right to make this gesture given Bryant's massive impact on the city of Los Angeles.
The Clippers were originally scheduled to play the Lakers at Staples on Tuesday, but both sides agreed to postpone the contest as the Lakers processed all that Bryant meant to the franchise.
Bryant's death has had a tangible impact on Clippers players and coaches, as well. Doc Rivers hardly spoke as he tried to talk about Kobe's influence on Sunday. Paul George said he would not be the player he is today without Bryant, and Kawhi Leonard said Wednesday Bryant's death still “doesn't seem real.”
Meanwhile, forward Maurice Harkless joined the list of players changing numbers, switching from No. 8 to No. 11 in memory of Bryant.
Of course, Clippers advisor Jerry West was the man who drafted Kobe back in 1996. West has spoken with a heavy heart following Bryant's death, saying he felt like a father figure in Kobe's life while also reiterating the idea of Kobe's global presence being bigger than basketball.
During a season when the Clippers wanted to surpass the Lakers as the top dogs in Los Angeles, one thing has become that much clearer: Kobe was L.A.
