Thousands were in attendance at Staples Center on Monday for the public memorial service for Kobe and Gianna Bryant. NBA greats, players, celebrities and fans were among the people in the crowd showing their respects.
They all rose to their feet as Vanessa Bryant was announced as a speaker to deliver a eulogy for her husband and 13-year-old daughter.
Vanessa, showing incredible strength, spoke for around 20 minutes about Kobe and Gianna. She spoke about the heartbreak of never getting to see her daughter walk down the aisle or achieve her WNBA dreams. She spoke about losing her best friend, husband and father of their daughters in Kobe.
"Gigi would have easily become the best player in the WNBA."
Vanessa Bryant remembers her daughter, Gianna. pic.twitter.com/9tv3w8wL6a
— NBA TV (@NBATV) February 24, 2020
When Vanessa’s tribute was complete, the moment was capped off by a touching gesture from another NBA legend.
Michael Jordan approached the stage to help Vanessa down the steps.
Michael Jordan helped Vanessa Bryant off the stage after her emotional eulogy. pic.twitter.com/bETfLmtjG6
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) February 24, 2020
It was the kind of moment that showed just how far-reaching Kobe’s loss was with the NBA community. It went beyond basketball. And it was a beautiful assist from Jordan.
You can read more from USA TODAY Sports.
[jwplayer vC4rGMiL-q2aasYxh]
[lawrence-auto-related count=3]