Lakers Pay Emotional Tribute to Kobe Bryant with LeBron James, Usher and Boyz II Men
By Stuart Oldham
LOS ANGELES (Variety.com) – It was a surreal and heartbreaking scene 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 , 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 memorial – that would happen soon – but a “celebration” of the basketball icon, otherwise known as “The Black Mamba.”
James began by reading the names of all of the victims in Sunday’s tragedy: Kobe, his daughter Gianna (“Gigi”), John Altobelli, Keri Altobelli and Alyssa Altobelli, Christina Mauser, Sarah Chester and Peyton Chester and Ara Zobayan.
“In the words of , M
amba out,” he concluded. “
But in the words of us, not forgotten. Live on, brother.”
Earlier, the 20,000 or so passionate fans in attendance chanted “Kobe! Kobe!” followed by “Gigi! Gigi!” for Bryant’s 13-old daughter.
Gigi’s basketball teammates sat courtside for the game, dressed in black jumpsuits. The , who held a 24.2 second moment of silence, also saved seats for Kobe and Gigi, their courtside chairs adorned with jerseys and a bouquet of red roses.
Broadcast live on ESPN, the pre-game ceremony began with Usher singing “Amazing Grace.”
Boyz II Men, who performed a Kobe tribute along with Alicia Keys at Sunday’s Grammys, harmonized the Star-Spangled Banner.
Later, at halftime, Wiz Khalifa and Charlie Puth, would pair up for a touching rendition of “See You Again.”
At the heart of Friday’s ceremony was a gut-wrenching video assembled by the Lakers. Narrated by Bryant, himself, and featuring the beautiful music of cellist Ben Wong, the six-minute tribute captured Kobe’s basketball legacy, in his own words, while also championing his off-court success as an Oscar-winner, husband and father of four daughters.
