- Click to share on Facebook (Opens in a new window)
- Click to share on Twitter (Opens in a new window)
- Click here to share on LinkedIn (Opens in a new window)
- Click to email a friend (Opens in a new window)
The Lakers play again after the death of Kobe Bryant 2:32
(Bleacher Report) - The Los Angeles Lakers returned to the field for their first game since Kobe Bryant died in a helicopter accident with his 13-year-old daughter Gianna, Sunday morning in Calabasas, California.
Alyssa Altobelli, John Altobelli, Keri Altobelli, Payton Chester, Sarah Chester, Christina Mauser and Ara Zobayan also died in the accident.
The sand darkened before cellist Ben Hong played on the center court while Bryant's voice narrated an evocative montage:
pic.twitter.com/F2Ahu0wHry
- Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) February 1, 2020
LeBron James was among those who cried during the tribute of more than six minutes, but then delivered a speech. James spoke for four minutes and dismissed the speech he had written to "go straight from the heart."
. @ KingJames gives a heartfelt speech during the Lakers' pregame ceremony. pic.twitter.com/BsYO0NlxIP
- SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) February 1, 2020
pic.twitter.com/aQdIjFV85v
- Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) February 1, 2020
LeBron moved by the Lakers tribute to Kobe Bryant. pic.twitter.com/1kQwIMqfWW
- Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 1, 2020
The Grammy winner, Usher, sang "Amazing Grace" in front of the branches in the form of No. 8 and No. 24, the two numbers that Bryant used during his 20-year career with the Lakers, with the shirts removed five times NBA champion illuminated. Chants burst for Bryant and his daughter:
Usher performs “Amazing Grace” during the Lakers' tribute to Kobe. pic.twitter.com/NV88OpW5Uq
- ESPN (@espn) February 1, 2020
Fans at Staples Center chanted "Kobe!" and "Gigi!" during the Lakers' pregame ceremony. pic.twitter.com/bxV2o5yXMQ
- SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) February 1, 2020
The Boyz II Men sang the national anthem with Bryant number 8:
Boyz II Men sings the national anthem during the Lakers' pregame ceremony. pic.twitter.com/yvnwZhyd53
- ESPN (@espn) February 1, 2020
The Lakers had planned to play against the Los Angeles Clippers at the Staples Center on Tuesday night, but the game was postponed. On Friday night, the Portland Trail Blazers visited the Staples Center.
The Blazers, who played Sunday against Indiana after the news of Bryant's death and honored him, as did the teams throughout the league by running out of the 24-second shot clock, shared a tribute video for Kobe and Gigi the Friday.
Carmelo Anthony was not available against the Lakers, because he is still mourning his close friend, Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium reported.
"I respect [Anthony's decision]," said Blazers point guard Damian Lillard. “I know he and Kobe had a great relationship. It is something I was not ready to face. We all respect your decision. ”
Before fans arrived at Staples, each seat was covered with a yellow shirt with No. 8 or No. 24 of the Lakers. Bryant's two numbers and initials were also placed on the court:
Staples Center tonight 🙏 pic.twitter.com/PBQRQ8FzeG
- Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 31, 2020
pic.twitter.com/SWtFP34LLe
- Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) January 31, 2020
The House That Kobe Built pic.twitter.com/1exfvaXnE8
- Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) January 31, 2020
2 ♾ 8 pic.twitter.com/DeKsRqcTry
- Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) January 31, 2020
The Bryant Lakers jersey and the Gigi Mamba Sports Academy No. 2 jersey were also placed on the seats next to the court:
#GirlDad pic.twitter.com/vAdwfoKcJh
- Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) February 1, 2020
The Lakers took the field to warm up using a mixture of No. 8 and No. 24 shirts:
The Lakers are all wearing No. 8 and No. 24 Kobe jerseys in warmups. pic.twitter.com/itgSPGtG3N
- ESPN (@espn) February 1, 2020
LeBron and AD share a moment pregame 💜💛 pic.twitter.com/zmGNmeZtwr
- ESPN (@espn) February 1, 2020
A moment of silence of 24.2 seconds was saved to honor the victims, and the five Los Angeles headlines were presented as Bryant. Once the game began, the Lakers committed an honorary violation of 24 seconds and the Blazers a violation of the back court of eight seconds.
Kobe BryantLeBron JamesLos Angeles Lakers
