Basketball: Lakers pay homage to Kobe Bryant at Staples Center in Los Angeles

The Staples center in Los Angeles resounded on Friday, January 31, of the tribute that the Lakers and LeBron James paid to Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna, who died on January 26 with seven other people in a helicopter accident.

The Los Angeles Downtown venue hosted the Lakers' first game against Portland since the tragedy, three days after the postponement of the "angelino" duel against the Clippers, then impossible to play.

LeBron James could not contain his tears during the national anthem sung by the Boyz II Men. The voice charged with emotion, the famous basketball player addressed the 19,000 fans present at the Staples Center.

"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

"I know that at some point, we will have a memorial for Kobe," he began, after throwing his scribbled notes on the floor, preferring "to speak from the bottom of my heart". "But I see it as a celebration tonight. A celebration of twenty years of blood, sweat, tears, bruised body, countless hours, determination, to be as tall as it could be" , said the "King".

"Tonight we celebrate the kid who came here at 18, retired at 38 and has probably become the best father we have seen in the past three years," said James, who became tattoo on a calf "Mamba 4 Life" ("Mamba for life") written under a snake wrapped in a 24 and an 8, in reference to "Black Mamba" - the nickname of Kobe Bryant.

"I will continue with my teammates to continue his legacy not only this year but as long as we can continue to play basketball, which we love, because that is what Kobe Bryant would like," he concluded. .

After which, he was hugged by his teammates, each of whom was then introduced by the announcer in one and the same way: "From the Lower Merion High School, with the number 24, Kobe Bryant".

“Number 24, 6'6, 20th campaign from Lower Merion High School ...” pic.twitter.com/3e7C6Ur75H

"Mamba mentality"

The match then started, with no action played during the first 24.2 seconds. Or the numbers of "Kobe" and "Gigi" chanted at the same time by the public.

At halftime, rapper Wiz Khalifa and singer Charlie Puth performed their track "See You Again". An hour later, the Lakers gave in to the Blazers (127-119), but tonight the result did not matter.

In the dark, in front of two sheaves of yellow roses forming his favorite numbers, the rapper Usher sang "Amazing Grace". Then a video retracing what Kobe was was released, on a theme played by cellist Ben Hong. He talks about his love of the game, his famous "Mamba mentality" which allowed him to achieve the impossible, like these five NBA titles offered to the Lakers. He also proclaims his love for Vanessa his wife and their four daughters.

pic.twitter.com/eCA8iIZMMT

Outside, well before the meeting, several thousand people had flocked. Many have written a word on the huge tables at their disposal. And as space was lacking, the paved floor of LA Live adjacent to the Staples Center was blackened.

With AFP

The France 24 week summary invites you to come back to the news that marked the week

Download the app