It was a surreal and heartbreaking night at Staples Center as the Lakers hosted their first NBA game following Kobe Bryant’s death.
During an emotional pre-game ceremony, which featured performances by Usher and Boyz II Men, and a rousing speech from star LeBron James, the organization saluted one of the league’s all-time greats in Bryant, who, along with his daughter, Gianna, and seven others, was tragically killed in a helicopter crash Sunday morning.
“We’re all hurt and heartbroken,” James said, fighting back tears.
Standing next to two lofty bouquets of purple and gold flowers, shaped in Kobe’s numbers, 8 and 24, James told the sold-out crowd that Friday night wasn’t Bryant’s actual memorial – that would happen soon – but a “celebration” of the basketball icon, otherwise known as “The Black Mamba.”
LeBron James delivers emotional pre-game speech in honor of Kobe Bryant pic.twitter.com/B11XyPkqE...
During an emotional pre-game ceremony, which featured performances by Usher and Boyz II Men, and a rousing speech from star LeBron James, the organization saluted one of the league’s all-time greats in Bryant, who, along with his daughter, Gianna, and seven others, was tragically killed in a helicopter crash Sunday morning.
“We’re all hurt and heartbroken,” James said, fighting back tears.
Standing next to two lofty bouquets of purple and gold flowers, shaped in Kobe’s numbers, 8 and 24, James told the sold-out crowd that Friday night wasn’t Bryant’s actual memorial – that would happen soon – but a “celebration” of the basketball icon, otherwise known as “The Black Mamba.”
LeBron James delivers emotional pre-game speech in honor of Kobe Bryant pic.twitter.com/B11XyPkqE...
- 2/1/2020
- by Stuart Oldham
- Variety Film + TV
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