Kobe Bryant’s Memorial
On Feb. 24, 2020, thousands of fans gathered at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California to celebrate the life of Kobe Bryant, Gianna Bryant, and the seven other people who died alongside them in a helicopter crash on Jan. 26. The memorial was open to the public, and those who were able to purchase tickets were granted access inside. The event was also live streamed on various platforms so that people around the world could watch the memorial. Kobe played for the Los Angeles Lakers for 20 years before he retired in 2016, four years before his tragic and untimely death. He wore the number 24, while his daughter, Gianna, wore the number 2 on her middle school basketball team, which is why the date 2/24 was chosen for the memorial. Click through the gallery to see photos of the scene outside and inside the touching memorial service for the basketball legend.
Vanessa Bryant
Vanessa Bryant reads an inspiring and touching eulogy during Kobe and Gianna Bryant’s memorial service on Feb. 24. She told touching stories about her late husband and daughter, and left the entire crowd in tears.
Kobe Bryant’s Parents
Kobe Bryant’s parents, Joe and Pam Bryant, attend his celebration of life service on Feb. 24. They were greeted by Los Angeles Lakers players as they took their seats.(AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Kobe Bryant Memorial Basketball
Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez leave after a celebration of life for Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna Monday, Feb. 24, 2020, in Los Angeles.
Michael Jordan
Michael Jordan wipes away tears from his eyes after speaking at Kobe Bryant’s memorial. In his speech, he admitted that he considered Kobe like a ‘little brother,’ and got extremely emotional.
Michael Jordan’s Speech
Michael Jordan took the podium to reminisce on his time with Kobe Bryant during a celebration of life for the basketball legend. He joked about becoming another crying meme due to his tears.
Christina Aguilera
Christina Aguilera takes the stage to perform ‘Ave Maria’ at Kobe Bryant’s memorial. She sounded absolutely stunning as she belted out the classic song.
Alicia Keys
Alicia Keys performs a stunning rendition of Beethoven’s ‘Moonlight Sonata’ on the piano at Kobe Bryant’s memorial. It was chosen as her song because it was one of Kobe and his wife, Vanessa Bryant’s, favorites.
Alicia Keys After Her Performance
Alicia Keys takes a moment to herself after performing at Kobe Bryant’s memorial. She wore a purple suit to honor his team, the Los Angeles Lakers. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Michael Jordan & Vanessa Bryant
Vanessa Bryant gets helped off stage by Michael Jordan after reading a eulogy at Kobe and Gianna Bryant’s memorial. Michael led Vanessa back to her seat as she held back tears. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Sabrina Ionescu
US college basketball star, Sabrina Ionescu, told tales about spending time with Kobe and Gianna Bryant while reading a eulogy at their memorial. She was one of several speakers at the event.
NBA Players At Kobe Memorial
NBA players attentively watch as Kobe Bryant is remembered during a memorial service on Feb. 24. Many of the players wore sunglasses and were in tear.
Diana Taurasi
WNBA player Diana Taurasi gives a touching speech about Kobe and Gianna Bryant at their memorial service. She reminisced on how important they both were to the game of basketball.
Jimmy Kimmel
Jimmy Kimmel takes the podium to speak at Kobe Bryant’s memorial. He gave a touching tribute speech and fought back tears throughout the message.
Kobe Bryant Memorial Basketball, Los Angeles, USA – 24 Feb 2020
LL Cool J, middle, watches during a celebration of life for Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna Monday, Feb. 24, 2020, in Los Angeles
Kobe Bryant Memorial Basketball, Los Angeles, USA – 24 Feb 2020
Line Outside Of Kobe’s Memorial
Traffic is directed away from the Staples Center as fans lined up for Kobe Bryant’s memorial. Hundreds of people lined up while wearing Lakers jerseys.
Fans Outside Kobe Bryant’s Memorial
Fans line up outside the Staples Center ahead of the memorial for Kobe Bryant on Feb. 24. A giant image of Kobe was depicted on the side of the building.
Line To Get Into Kobe Bryant Memorial
Fans line up outside the Staples Center to get into the Kobe Bryant memorial. Tickets were sold online prior to the event, but only a certain amount of people were able to obtain them.
Kobe Bryant Mural At Staples Center
Fans post in front of a Kobe Bryant mural at the Staples Center. The artwork was visible as fans shuffled inside to attend the memorial on Feb. 24.
Kobe Bryant’s Celebration Of Life
The scene outside Kobe Bryant’s memorial featured hundreds of people hanging out to get a glimpse of what was going on. Only ticketed members were allowed inside.
