The LA Lakers left 2 empty seats for Kobe and Gianna Bryant, and gave out 20,000 Bryant jerseys at the emotional first game since his death
20,000 shirts with Bryant's jersey number were laid out on the seats of the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
The LA Lakers left 2 empty seats for Kobe and Gianna Bryant, and gave out 20,000 Bryant jerseys at the emotional first game since his death
Bryant's retired jersey numbers — 8 and 24 — were up in lights for the game.
The Lakers wore purple warm-ups with Bryant's jersey.
Players don't usually wear warmups onto the court, but made an exception for this game.
Together. pic.twitter.com/N5JjsOHf0v
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) February 1, 2020Usher sang an emotion-laden rendition of "Amazing Grace" to start off the game.
Usher performs “Amazing Grace” during the Lakers’ tribute to Kobe. pic.twitter.com/NV88OpW5Uq
— ESPN (@espn) February 1, 2020A tribute video was played to honor Bryant's legacy.
The Lakers' tribute to Kobe Bryant 💜💛 pic.twitter.com/jI0wwlSqhk
— ESPN (@espn) February 1, 2020Boyz II Men performed the National Anthem.
Boyz II Men sings the national anthem during the Lakers’ pregame ceremony. pic.twitter.com/yvnwZhyd53
— ESPN (@espn) February 1, 2020LeBron James gave a heartfelt eulogy to his "brother" Kobe Bryant.
"So in the words of Kobe Bryant, 'Mamba Out,' but in the words of us, 'Not forgotten.' Live on, brother."
—LeBron James during the Lakers' tribute to Kobe pic.twitter.com/qQTHrirN6t
All five starters, still wearing their Bryant-inspired warmups, were announced as "6-6 out of Lower Merion High School...Kobe Bryant."
The Lakers took a 24-second violation and the Blazers took an 8-second violation to honor Bryant's two jersey numbers at the start of the game.
The Lakers take a 24-second violation and the Blazers take an 8-second violation to honor Kobe. pic.twitter.com/eyAMI9V804
— ESPN (@espn) February 1, 2020The Lakers coaches all wore Kobe Nike shoes.
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