The Los Angeles Lakers paid tribute to Kobe Bryant prior to Friday night’s game against the Portland Trailblazers. It marked the Lakers’ first home game at the Staples Center since Bryant’s tragic death on Sunday.
Usher kicked off the pre-game tribute by singing “Amazing Grace”. Cellist Ben Hong then played a rendition of “Hallelujah” as the musical accompaniment to a tribute video which was narrated by Bryant himself.
Following the video tribute, Boyz II Men took center court to sing the National Anthem. Current Lakers superstar LeBron James then concluded the ceremony by giving a brief speech in honor of Bryant.
“Tonight we celebrate the kid that came here at 18, retired at 38 and became probably the best dad we’ve seen over the last three years,” James said during his speech.
Watch video of the tribute below.
Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter Gianna, and seven others were killed in a helicopter crash on Sunday, January 26th. Boyz II Men also took part in a Grammys tribute to Bryant, joining Alicia Keys for “It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday”.
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) February 1, 2020
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) February 1, 2020
Boyz II Men sings the national anthem during the Lakers’ pregame ceremony. pic.twitter.com/yvnwZhyd53
— ESPN (@espn) February 1, 2020
"Tonight we celebrate the kid that came here at 18, retired at 38 and became probably the best dad we've seen over the last three years.” pic.twitter.com/0sS7e91cuz
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) February 1, 2020
Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist and Lakers superfan Flea was also in attendance for Friday night’s game and spoke about Bryant’s legacy during a TV hit with Spectrum Sportsnet. He also wore a Kobe airbrush tribute outfit.
👏🏽 EVERYTHING 👏🏽 FLEA 👏🏽 SAID pic.twitter.com/Vfy2a2KDoD
— Leigh Gaston (@LeighFromLA) February 1, 2020
Full on Flea fit #RIPKobeandGigi @flea333 pic.twitter.com/jjcGdwDhEN
— Nick Krupke (@NickKrupke) February 1, 2020
