Thunder players pay tribute to Kobe Bryant

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander wore Kobe’s No. 8 Lakers jersey to Chesapeake Energy Arena on Monday ahead of OKC’s game against the Mavericks.

Each player found his own way to honor the memory of Kobe Bryant.

By wearing his jersey into Chesapeake Energy Arena or a pair of his shoes for tonight’s game, Bryant will be present on Monday when the Oklahoma City Thunder tip-off against the Dallas Mavericks.

The Thunder honored Kobe this morning, displaying his picture on the outside of the arena.

Second-year guard, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came to tonight’s game wearing Bryant’s iconic No. 8 Lakers home jersey, and then wore a pair of Kobe’s during pregame.

Dennis Schroder also donned a pair of Kobe’s for warmups.

Billy Donovan spoke about the influence of Kobe Bryant and the impact the late Lakers star had on the current generation.

“He was an iconic player, true champion, true competitor who was incredibly passionate about being the very best he could be. He took his God-given ability and with his own drive took it to a different level.”

It’s not just the players who are honoring Bryant’s legacy.

According to Maddie Lee of The Oklahoman, the staff inside Chesapeake Energy Arena is also wearing purple ribbons with a yellow pin to honor Bryant’s memory.