• All Star: Doncic and company show: the boys who came to stay in the NBA

The night at United began with an easy tear, and before all the presentations, Kobe Bryant and David Stern were remembered with an emotional video. The tribute highlighted the work of promoting basketball by both. The Lakers legend inspiring worldwide, the former NBA commissioner opening the borders and promoting opportunities in areas further away from level basketball. Some of those boys who fell in love with this sport thanks to the two of them were on the parquet floor of United Center on Friday night.

Pau Gasol was the protagonist in the presentation of the rookies game. Microphone in hand and holding back tears , he remembered his friend Kobe and highlighted his legacy . It was one of the many tributes that the Lakers legend will receive in Chicago.

"Hello everyone, welcome to the All Star 2020. We are very excited to be here in Chicago for this weekend, but before it starts we have to remember the losses that the NBA family has suffered this year, " Gasol began . "The death of Commissioner David Stern , and the tragic accident ... That ended the life of my dear friend and ex-partner Kobe Bryant , his beautiful daughter Gigi and seven other people . Facts that have left us with a broken heart. I know that their deaths weigh in the hearts of everyone in the sport and especially in the NBA family. "

Beside her, Sue Bird , star of the women's league: "David and Kobe's contributions to the NBA, the WNBA and the entire world of basketball are countless. We wouldn't be here if it wasn't for David, whose spoiled child was this idea of ​​the All Star. And Kobe ... 18 All Star, 4 MVPs ... as their impact on the league and in this sport, they will not be forgotten, "said the player before Pau continued.

The fans, before the emotion of the moment, began to shout "Kobe! Kobe! Kobe!".

"That's it," the Spanish replied, visibly moved.

"This competition is global now thanks to David and Kobe. I am proud to have worked with them and to have been their friend. The All Star weekend is an event where love for basketball is celebrated, something that both personified. I know you both want us to enjoy being here. Compete, have a good time. That we should give it our all. These days are going to be a tribute to their respective legacies. My older brother Kobe used to say that you have to always do epic things, so let's celebrate an end epic week in his honor. Thank you. "

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