It was a surreal and heartbreaking night at Staples Center as the Lakers hosted their first NBA game following Kobe Bryant’s death.
During an emotional pre-game ceremony, which featured performances by Usher and Boyz II Men, and a rousing speech from star LeBron James, the organization saluted one of the league’s all-time greats in Bryant, who, along with his daughter, Gianna, and seven others, was tragically killed in a helicopter crash Sunday morning.
“We’re all hurt and heartbroken,” James said, fighting back tears.
Standing next to two lofty bouquets of purple and gold flowers, shaped in Kobe’s numbers, 8 and 24, James told the sold-out crowd that Friday night wasn’t Bryant’s actual memorial – that would happen soon – but a “celebration” of the basketball icon, otherwise known as “The Black Mamba.”
James honored the other victims who died in his speech as well and began by reading each of their names: Bryant’s daughter Gianna (“Gigi”), John Altobelli, Keri Altobelli and Alyssa Altobelli, Christina Mauser, Sarah Chester and Peyton Chester and Ara Zobayan.
He concluded by saying, “In the words of Kobe Bryant, Mamba out. But in the words of us, not forgotten. Live on, brother.”
Earlier, the 20,000 or so passionate fans in attendance chanted “Kobe! Kobe!” followed by “Gigi! Gigi!” for Bryant’s 13-old daughter.
Gigi’s basketball teammates sat courtside for the game, dressed in black. The Lakers, who held a 24.2 second moment of silence, also saved seats for Kobe and Gigi, their courtside chairs adorned with each’s jersey and a bouquet of roses.
Broadcast on ESPN, the pre-game tribute began with Usher singing an extended version of “Amazing Grace.”
Boyz II Men, who performed a Bryant tribute with Alicia Keys at Sunday’s Grammys, returned to Staples to harmonize the Star-Spangled banner.
Later, at halftime, Wiz Khalifa and Charlie Puth, would pair up for a touching rendition of “See You Again.”
At the heart of Friday’s ceremony though was a gut-wrenching video assembled by Lakers brass. Narrated by Bryant, himself, and featuring the beautiful music of cellist Ben Wong, who performed at center court, the six-minute tribute captured Bryant’s historic NBA legacy in his own words, while also championing his off-court success as an Oscar-winner, husband and father of four daughters.