Late Los Angeles Lakers Kobe Bryant’s Retired Jerseys In Staples Center
The retired jerseys of late Los Angeles Lakers Kobe Bryant hang above the Staples Center arena prior to their first game — and first home game — since the Jan. 26 death of the team’s legend at just 41-years-old. The match against the Portland Trailblazers on Jan. 31 promised to be an emotional night, filled with heartache, but also a celebration of his life and what Kobe meant to the Lakers, all of Los Angeles, the NBA and the world in general.
Following Kobe’s sudden and tragic death, the team’s leader LeBron James vowed to keep the Lakers going through their immeasurable grief. ‘I promise you I’ll continue your legacy man! You mean so much to us all here especially #LakerNation💜💛 and it’s my responsibility to put this sh*t on my back and keep it going!! Please give me the strength from the heavens above and watch over me! I got US here!’ LeBron wrote in a Jan. 28 Instagram tribute.
Kobe was killed in a helicopter crash on Jan. 26 along with his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven others. He wore number 8 during the first half of his Lakers career when he helped the team win three championships. and number 24 in the second half when he won two more. The numbers were retired in 2017.
LeBron James Pays Tribute To Kobe Bryant
Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James, wearing a No. 24 jersey, speaks about the late Kobe Bryant prior to an NBA game between the Lakers and the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday, Jan. 31 at Staples Center. The NBA star was visibly distraught as he discarded his speech and ‘spoke from the heart.’
LeBron James Gives An Emotional Tribute To Kobe Bryant
LeBron James spoke to fans ahead of the game, giving his close friend Kobe Bryant an gives an emotional tribute. The game was the first since Kobe’s tragic death on Sunday, Jan. 26 in a fatal helicopter crash. He wore Kobe’s number 24 Lakers jersey.
LeBron James & Anthony Davis Tearfully Hug
Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James, back, hugs Anthony Davis after the national anthem before the team’s NBA basketball game against the Portland Trail Blazers at LA’s Staples Center on Jan. 31, 2020. LeBron broke down in tears when Usher sang ‘Amazing Grace’ at the start of the tribute to the late Kobe Bryant.
LA Lakers Team Members Are Seen Wearing Kobe Bryant’s Numbers
Los Angeles Lakers players wear No. 24 and No.8 jerseys in honor of the late Kobe Bryant during introductions for the team’s NBA game against the Portland Trail Blazers on Jan. 31, 2020. It was the first game for the team since Kobe was killed in a Jan. 26 helicopter crash.
Anthony Davis Cries While Remembering Kobe Bryant
Anthony Davis cries while remembering Kobe Bryant. The Los Angeles Laker shed tears while s while listening Usher sing ‘Amazing Grace’ prior to the team’s first game back since Kobe was killed in a Jan. 26 helicopter crash. A moving tribute took place before the game against the Portland Trailblazers.
Fans Cry During Kobe Bryant Tribute
A spectator wipes his face from tears while watching an emotional tribute video for the late Los Angeles Lakers’ Kobe Bryant, prior to the Lakers’ NBA basketball game against the Portland Trail Blazers on Jan. 31, 2020 at Staples Center. Shirts with Kobe’s numbers 24 and 8 were laid laid out on each seat.
LeBron James Cries During The Kobe Bryant Tribute
Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James, wearing a No. 24 jersey, points up while shedding tears after the national anthem before the team’s NBA basketball game against the Portland Trail Blazers in Los Angeles, Friday, Jan. 31, 2020. LeBron displayed a KB on his left side, and wore a jersey with Kobe’s number 24.
Lakers team members cry during Kobe tribute
Los Angeles Lakers LeBron James, center, and Quinn Cook wipe their faces while watching a video tribute to Kobe Bryant. The players all sported Kobe’s numbers 8 and 24 on their jerseys, along with his initials.
LeBron James and Anthony Davis warm up wearing Kobe Bryant’s jersey
Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James, left, and Anthony Davis warm up while wearing jerseys with the No.s 24 and 8, respectively, in honor of Kobe Bryant, prior to the team’s NBA basketball game against the Portland Trail Blazers in Los Angeles, Friday, Jan. 31, 2020. Both of Kobe’s numbers were retired in 2017.
Usher sings at Kobe Bryant’s LA Lakers memorial
Singer Usher performs during a memorial prior to an NBA game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Portland Trail Blazers on Jan. 31, 2020. His performance reduced a number of Lakers players to tears.
Usher performing at Kobe Bryant’s LA Lakers game tribute.
Singer Usher performs ‘Amazing Grace’ at the beginning of the Kobe Bryant tribute ahead of the Lakers first game since the legendary player’s death. The song reduced many Lakers, including LeBron James, to tears.
LeBron James and Kyle Kuzma wear Kobe Bryant’s Lakers jerseys
Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James and Kyle Kuzma, wearing No. 24 jerseys in remembrance of Kobe Bryant prior to the team’s NBA basketball game against the Portland Trail Blazers. The Jan. 31 game at Staples Center was the first since Kobe was killed in a helicopter crash on Jan. 26, 2020.
Kobe and Gigi Bryant’s jerseys are memorialized
The jerseys of late Kobe Bryant, No.24, and his daughter Gianna, No. 2, are draped on the seats the two last sat on at Staples Center during a Dec. 29, 2019 game. They were mourned at the Lakers first game back on Jan. 31, 2020, six days after they perished in a helicopter crash.
The Lakers at play following the Kobe tribute
Los Angeles Lakers guard Rajon Rondo, front, vies for a rebound with Anthony Davis, right, and Portland Trail Blazers forward Caleb Swanigan during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Los Angeles, Friday, Jan. 31, 2020.
Trail Blazers Lakers Kobe Bryant Basketball
Fans watch a video tribute to Kobe Bryant while he was memorialized in the Lakers’ first game back since his death. He was killed Jan. 26 in a helicopter crash at age 41.
The Lakers back in action
Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard, left, goes up for a rebound ahead of Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Los Angeles, Friday, Jan. 31, 2020.
Fans mourn Kobe Bryant outside Staples Center
Fans gather to pay their respects at a memorial for the late Kobe Bryant near Staples Center ahead of the first Lakers game since his passing on Jan. 26. They played the Portland Trailblazers on Jan. 31, 2020.
Fans Mourning Kobe Bryant at Staples Center
Fans arriving to the first Lakers game at Staples Center since the Jan. 26 death of team legend Kobe Bryant. There are memorials set up around the arena.
Kobe Bryant and daughter Gianna’s jerseys where they last sat at Staples Center.
The jerseys of late Los Angeles Laker Kobe Bryant, right, and his daughter Gianna (in her Team Mamba black) are draped on the seats the two last sat on at Staples Center, prior to the Lakers’ NBA basketball game against the Portland Trail Blazers in Los Angeles, Friday, Jan. 31, 2020. The last game two attended was on Dec. 29, 2019 when the Lakers faced the Dallas Mavericks.
Kobe Bryant’s retired number 24 jersey on the seats at Staples Center
Kobe Bryant’s retired number 24 jersey on the seats at Staples Center ahead of their Jan. 31 first home game since the death of the Lakers legend. Half the game’s attendees got his number 24 jersey he wore during the last half of his career, while the other half got his number 8 from his earlier Laker days.
Kobe Bryant’s number 24 jersey laid out for fans at Staples Center
The Los Angeles Lakers honor the late Kobe Bryant by laying out t-shirts for fans prior to an NBA game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Staples Center, in Los Angeles. Half the arena got his number 8 jersey from the first half of his career, while the other half got his number 25 jersey from her later days with the team. Both numbers were retired in 2017.
