LOS ANGELES – Paul George and the Los Angeles Clippers wrapped up an insane three-day stretch at Staples Center with a win over the visiting Memphis Grizzlies on Monday night. The victory came just hours after fans gathered inside the same arena to celebrate the life and legacy of Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant.
Fans of the Lakers legend stuffed Staples Center for what was a remarkable three hours of eulogies, memories being shared, and never-before-heard stories being told. Countless NBA stars, current and past, adversaries and friends of Bryant, were in attendance. The list of players included Michael Jordan, Bill Russell, Tim Duncan, Shaquille O'Neal, Tony Parker, Pau Gasol, Manu Ginobili, LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Stephen Curry, James Harden, Russell Westbrook, Dwyane Wade, and dozens of others.
Unfortunately, George was not one of the players in attendance. He explained why he didn't join his fellow NBA brothers at the memorial.
“I'm not good with that kind of stuff,” Paul George admitted after the Clippers' win, “so I didn't go. But I watched every second of it on TV.”
Article Continues BelowAs he said, George watched the entire thing on TV, from Vanessa Bryant's incredible eulogy for Kobe and Gigi to Shaq's comic relief toward the end.
“Again, it's just remarkable. His journey, his career, the people he touched — talk about the top A-list of A-list people at his memorial. Just his impact and he's a Californian and Los Angeleno, a byproduct of him being here. Again, so many people said it, it's on us to continue that legacy. I was definitely affected by it when it first happened and I was affected again today, watching it, again. It's something that's never gonna seem real, but the reality of it, it did happen and I'm forever moved by it and I think so many people are too.”
Paul George on Kobe Bryant memorial – "I'm not good with that kind of stuff, so I didn't go, but I watched every second of it on TV. It's just remarkable, his journey, his career, the people he touched… It's on us to continue that legacy… I'm forever moved by it."#Clippers pic.twitter.com/8Ru6cshkFO
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) February 25, 2020
George returned from a single-game absence from a hamstring injury on Monday night, helping the Clippers to a 124-97 win over the Memphis Grizzlies.
The six-time All-Star is putting up 21.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.3 steals per game on 41.6 percent shooting from the field for the Clippers this season.