Every team paid tribute to the late Kobe Bryant in their own ways, with the Lakers understandably being the most emotional.
In the past seven days, people from all over the world have mourned the deaths of Kobe and Gianna Bryant.
A number of NBA games had been postponed in the immediate aftermath of the legendary NBA player’s death, but a full set of matches took place on Friday night.
Before the LA Lakers (who Kobe played for for 20 years) took the court to play against the Portland Trailblazers, LeBron James stepped out to pay tribute to Bryant in front of a packed crowd.
He spoke about what an incredible player Kobe was, and more importantly, what an excellent father he was.
James was close to tears throughout the entirety of his emotional speech, closing it off by saying: “In the words of Kobe Bryant – ‘Mamba Out’, but in the words of us – ‘Not forgotten.’ Live on brother.”
Take a look:
Clip via ESPN
Usher was also in attendance to perform a rendition of ‘Amazing Grace’, while Wiz Khalifa and Charlie Puth performed their song ‘See You Again’ at half-time.
Usher performs “Amazing Grace” during the Lakers’ tribute to Kobe. pic.twitter.com/NV88OpW5Uq
— ESPN (@espn) February 1, 2020
https://twitter.com/that_rarebitch/status/1223486224134017025?s=20
Brooklyn Nets player Kyrie Irving, who was a close friend of Kobe’s, celebrated by pointing to the sky after scoring a fadeaway shot, a move synonymous with Kobe Bryant.
After his 54th point, Kyrie pointed to sky for Kobe.#MambaForever pic.twitter.com/EECnpQBqiG
— Complex Sports (@ComplexSports) February 1, 2020
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