The Los Angeles Lakers’ first game after the tragic death of NBA superstar Kobe Bryant was filled with heartfelt tributes.
Friday’s game at the Staples Center, “The house that Kobe built,” featured the Lakers hosting the Portland Trailblazers.
At halftime, Pittsburgh’s Wiz Khalifa and Charlie Puth performed their hit song “See You Again” to honor the crash victims.
“To the late Kobe Bryant,” Wiz said at the conclusion of their performance. “Peace and blessing to his entire family. His legacy is gonna be remembered. We love you, Kobe.”
Bryant, an NBA legend, died Sunday in a helicopter crash that also killed his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven others.
"Rest In Peace to the late, great Kobe Bryant." pic.twitter.com/jmqQMVC2UO
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) February 1, 2020
“See You Again” was released in 2015 as part of the “Furious 7” soundtrack and as a tribute song dedicated to the late Paul Walker.
Usher sang “Amazing Grace” in a pregame tribute and cellist Ben Hong played “Hallelujah” while a video montage of Bryant talking about his love of basketball, his family and his legacy played on the screens around the arena.
Usher performs “Amazing Grace” during the Lakers’ tribute to Kobe. pic.twitter.com/NV88OpW5Uq
— ESPN (@espn) February 1, 2020
Since Bryant’s untimely death, celebrities and countless others have sent an outpouring of condolences and support to his wife, Vanessa, and their three surviving daughters.
On Wednesday, Vanessa Bryant issued her first statement since the accident, saying her family was “completely devastated.”
“My girls and I want to thank the millions of people who’ve shown support and love during this horrific time. Thank you for all the prayers. We definitely need them. We are completely devastated by the sudden loss of my adoring husband, Kobe — the amazing father of our children; and my beautiful, sweet Gianna — a loving, thoughtful, and wonderful daughter, and amazing sister to Natalia, Bianka, and Capri,” she wrote, in part, alongside a family photo. “We are also devastated for the families who lost their loved ones on Sunday, and we share in their grief intimately.”
Two empty seats draped with flowers and the jerseys of Bryant and his daughter “Gigi” were prominent courtside during the game.
Bryant played for the Los Angeles Lakers for the entirety of his 20-year professional career. He was an icon for the organization where he won five championships and compiled numerous individual awards. He ranks fourth all-time in total points scored in the NBA. Ironically, he was surpassed by LeBron James the night before the helicopter crash.
Portland won Friday night’s game 127 – 119.
Damian Lillard scored 48 points for the Trailblazers. He wasn’t in the mood to celebrate.
“I don’t feel like anybody feels like we walked away as a winner tonight, given the circumstances,” Lillard said after the game. “The memories that we’ll take away from it was just sad and just tough. It’s good that we had to compete, so being on the winning side is a positive, but I don’t think anybody walks away from this moment and this situation a winner.”
