On Saturday night, the Los Angeles Lakers played their first road game since the late Kobe Bryant passed away in a helicopter crash, along with his daughter, Gianna, and seven others.
The Sacramento Kings put on a moving tribute for Bryant and Gianna, and following the game LeBron James spoke of how he hopes a tribute happens at every road game. The Lakers defeated the Kings 129-113 to erase a two-game skid.
“We’re prepared for it. We understand it,” James said, per Spectrum SportsNet. “We hope it happens every night just because of the legacy that he’s left behind. But we’re prepared for it as a team, as an organization, and we’re going to continue to get through it.”
"We just try to go out and do what he would want us to do and that's win a basketball game."@KingJames talks about the fans showing their support on the road and honoring Kobe. pic.twitter.com/MprU1N4i0W
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) February 2, 2020
The tribute consisted of clips of Bryant playing the Kings and some shots of Gianna playing basketball. The video was filled with respect and admiration for Bryant, who played against the Kings in three consecutive playoff series from 2000-2002.
During the 2002 Western Conference Finals, the Lakers defeated the Kings in seven games, and Bryant averaged 27.1 points per game and 6.3 rebounds.
The Lakers and the rest of the NBA are mourning the loss of one of the game’s greats. Not only was Bryant a stellar basketball player, but he was a motivator who inspired so many people to be their best selves.
Los Angeles will play the San Antonio Spurs at Staples Center on Tuesday.