The Los Angeles Lakers returned to Staples Center on Friday night to play their first game since a helicopter accident took the lives of Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna, and seven other people on Sunday in California.
Bryant shirts were placed on every seat for fans in attendance at Staples Center, but two seats were left open for Kobe and Gianna.
#GirlDad pic.twitter.com/vAdwfoKcJh
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) February 1, 2020
Usher sits alone in the stands at Staples Center before his performance to honor Lakers great Kobe Bryant tonight. @latines @latimessports #usher pic.twitter.com/zTPgcE6DAt
— Wally Skalij (@WallySkalij) January 31, 2020
Two open seats for Kobe and Gianna Bryant at Staples Center tonight. pic.twitter.com/3tvWmWhjXb
— ESPN (@espn) February 1, 2020
To start off the pregame ceremony, Usher sang “Amazing Grace” in front of numbers 8 and 24.
Usher performs “Amazing Grace” during the Lakers’ tribute to Kobe. pic.twitter.com/NV88OpW5Uq
— ESPN (@espn) February 1, 2020
That was followed by an awesome video tribute to Kobe.
https://twitter.com/espn/status/1223451756534910976
Boyz II Men sang the national anthem.
Boyz II Men sings the national anthem during the Lakers’ pregame ceremony. pic.twitter.com/yvnwZhyd53
— ESPN (@espn) February 1, 2020
And LeBron James concluded the ceremony with a beautiful, heartfelt speech.
.@KingJames gives a heartfelt speech during the Lakers' pregame ceremony. pic.twitter.com/BsYO0NlxIP
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) February 1, 2020
Fans also chanted “Kobe!” and “Gigi!”
Fans at Staples Center chanted "Kobe!" and "Gigi!" during the Lakers' pregame ceremony. pic.twitter.com/bxV2o5yXMQ
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) February 1, 2020
In the starting lineup intros, the Lakers introduced every player as Kobe Bryant.
Every player in the Lakers starting lineup is 6'6" from Lower Merion High School 🐍
(via @TSN_Sports)pic.twitter.com/4q3IBNvYb4
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 1, 2020
It’s so hard to imagine playing a basketball game after all of this, but the Lakers and Portland Trail Blazers will try to now.
About Matt Clapp
Matt is an editor/writer at The Comeback and Awful Announcing.
He can be reached by email at mclapp@thecomeback.com.