I think we've never seen a match like the one they played Los Angeles Lakers and the Portland Trail Blazers. Not because of the game, the result or the performance of any of the players, but because of what happened before.
The Lakers made this long awaited homage to Kobe Bryant, legend of the team and the league, icon of the city, who died last Sunday in a helicopter accident in which eight more people also lost their lives, including his daughter Gigi, only 13 years old.
For Kobe and Gigi it was the ceremony, the music, the silence and the emotion of the previous moments to a game that surely won't have to be played after an ace tribute. The players of both teams with tears in their eyes and the fans thinking of everything but basketball.
The California franchise distributed almost 20,000 t-shirts from the legendary '8' and '24'that Kobe wore in purple and gold. They acted Usher and Boyz II Men …
The cellist of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Ben Hong rang the 'Hallelujah'…
And at the break, continuing with the tribute, Wiz Khalifa with Charlie Puth on piano played 'See You Again'.
In addition, and no less important or emotional, LeBron James gave a speech from the bottom of his heart, without papers or writings.
“I see this as a celebration. The celebration of 20 years of blood, sweat, tears, the shattered body, getting up, sitting … Everything. The countless hours, the determination to be the best possible. A celebration of the boy who came here at age 18, retired at 38 and became the best father that we've seen in these last three years, “James explained.
Bryant's death has mourned the Staples Center throughout the week. The franchise did not want to pronounce itself publicly until after several days, in an emotional silence that showed deep devastation. Rob pelinka, vice president of the team, was Kobe's last friend and Gigi's godfather. And, like him, to a greater or lesser extent, every employee of the Lakers.
“The first thing that comes to mind is about the family. I look around in the pavilion and we are all injured. With a broken heart Disconsolate But when we go through things like this, the best thing we can do is support you on your family's shoulders, and from Sunday morning until today is the only thing I've seen here. Not only for the players, not just for the technicians or the organization. For all, “James continued.
The Lakers covered all retired shirts and left only the '8' and '24' in sight, the players wore Kobe's shirt during the warm-up and presentation, and in the front row of the Staples they made room for teammates from Gigi. Special videos on video markers, Kobe's life, his career … and 24.2 (24 for Bryant's number, 2 for his daughter's number) seconds of silence to end.
“All of us here are family. And I know that Kobe, Gianna, Vanessa and everyone thank them from the bottom of their hearts. Kobe is a brother to me. Since I was in high school, watch him play, watch all the battles that we have had, being here means a lot to me, I want to continue this legacy with my companions, not only this year, but as much as we can play what we love, because that is what Kobe Bryant will want, so, in the words of Kobe Bryant , 'Mamba out ', but in ours,' We don't forget you, long live, brother“, finished LeBron, who wore Kobe model shoes to play.
The Blazers won with a spectacular Lillard. The Lakers lost. It was the least.
It was a night to remember the “Number 24, 6'6, 20th campaign from Lower Merion High School … “.
Kobe Bryant.
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