The excitement, lack of tickets and the special color of Niagara Falls

Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna became victims of a plane crash on January 26, however, a public farewell ceremony took place at the Staples Center in Los Angeles only after almost a month. The funeral was held in early February, but the place of their holding was known only to relatives and friends.

On Monday, ordinary fans finally got the chance to say goodbye to the legend. At the same time, the organizers decided to sell tickets to the event, and they were sold out very quickly. All the proceeds from the sale went to the renewed fund of Gianna and Kobe Bryant, which is now called the Mamba and Mambasita Sports Fund.

The event was called "Celebration of Life for Kobe and Gianna Bryant." The date of the event - February 24, 2020 - was not chosen by chance. The fact is that the girl always played under the second number, and her famous father under the 24th.

A few hours before the start, a crowd began to gather at the Staples Center, and policemen cordoned off the stadium. Those who did not have enough tickets sought to occupy the most comfortable places near the arena. The vast majority of people came in attributes with the surname Kobe.

In the stands, on the seats, they laid out T-shirts with Bryant's game number. Also brought to the ceremony 35 thousand roses. And on the other side of the United States at this moment, Niagara Falls was painted in the colors of the Lakers in memory of the victims.

Wife's confession, O'Neill's funny stories and Bryant's favorite songs

The ceremony began with a demonstration on the video cube of the best gaming moments in the career of the legendary basketball player, which, of course, gained a lot. Then the singer Beyoncé performed one of the athlete’s favorite songs - “XO”.

After her, the widow of Bryant Vanessa appeared on the scene. According to the woman, Gianna “could become the best basketball player in the female NBA.” Mother said that the girl was very fond of basketball, and especially she liked to play face-to-face with her father.

Vanessa noted the warmth and kindness of her daughter, who was very sensitive and always kissed her, wishing good night and good morning. She remembered how the girl herself loved to make cookies, as well as watch the movie "Survivor" and the NBA matches with her father.

I was touched by all those present and the woman’s speech about her dead husband. She noted that while for the whole world Kobe was an unattainable celebrity, for the family he was protection and support, “the most valuable player for daughters” and a loving kind husband. Vanessa admitted that she and her husband often jokingly discussed how to grow old together and become “cool grandparents”.

“He was my everything.”

Vanessa Bryant remembers Kobe at the Celebration of Life. pic.twitter.com/vHb9xP0qmm

- NBA TV (@NBATV) February 24, 2020

When Vanessa Bryant left the stage with the help of Michael Jordan, the audience applauded while standing. Jordan himself did not hide his tears. The legendary basketball player also made a speech, during which he did not stop crying. However, he found the strength to joke that his face "will become another crying meme."

“As I got to know him, I wanted to be the best big brother that I could be.”

Michael Jordan on Kobe Bryant. pic.twitter.com/dTSp7VDosP

- NBA TV (@NBATV) February 24, 2020

Following him a few words were said by Shaquille O'Neill, who played with Bryant for the Lakers. He admitted that before they had a rather difficult relationship, however, Kobe managed to gain Shakil's respect.

According to him, they could argue, tease and call each other “like little children”, but in private, when the cameras turned off, they winked at each other with the words: “Let's go kick someone's ass”.

Earlier, O'Neill also stated that the deceased was to him like a younger brother.

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And the Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka said that Bryant talked to him just a few minutes before his death. He asked the functionary to help him arrange an internship at a baseball agency for the daughter of his friend John Altobelli, who died in a plane crash.

“Kobe’s last act was heroic. He wanted to use his position for the good and secure the future of a young girl, ”concluded Pelinka.

The ceremony ended with the performance of the composition “Ave Maria”, the owner of six Grammy awards, Christina Aguilera. And the famous singer and pianist Alisha Keyes played the piano “Moonlight Sonata”, which was especially loved by Bryant. As Pelinka said, Kobe even learned to play it to demonstrate his love to his wife.