Following the tragic death of basketball superstar Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna Bryant, John Antonelli, Keri Antonelli, Alyssa Antonelli, Payton Chester, Sarah Chester, Christina Mauser and Ara Zobayan tributes began to pour in. During this time of grief tributes began to flood in as a way to commemorate Kobe’s legacy and honor the victims.
- Fan Made Memorials at Staples Center
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Upon hearing news of Kobe Bryant’s death many fans traveled to Staples Centers to pay their respects. It was here that Bryant played 20 seconds for the Los Angeles Lakers, winning five championships and four MVP awards. Many fans brought flowers, poster, jerseys and placed them alongside Staples Center. This goes to showcase how much Bryant meant to the city of Los Angles and the legacy he leaves behind.
- In Game Tributes
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Across the League numerous teams took 24 shock clock violations and 8 second violations. A 24-shot clock violation occurs when a team does not make a shot that hits the rim in that 24 second time period. While an 8 second violation means that a team did not cross the half court line in the 8 seconds allowed. These numbers are symbolic for the Kobe legacy as these are the two jersey numbers he wore during his time with the Lakers. These are also the numbers the Lakers organization have retired, meaning that no one will ever wear these numbers for them again.
- Former Teammates and Friends
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Many former teammates and friends of Kobe Bryant have posted tributes on social media and spoke on the impact of his death. They detailed their moments and encounters with Kobe Bryant over the years. For many current NBA players Kobe was their idol, as they were born during the generation Bryant dominated the league. Some players even note Bryant was the reason they started playing basketball in the first place. Another form of tribute was Kobe Bryant Jersey’s and Kobe’s Nike shoes being worn by coaches and players.
- The NBA All Star Game
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The NBA all-star game is a game where the best Eastern and Western Conference players play against each other. These players are voted into the game by fans, players and the media. s During this year’s NBA all-star game on February 16, 2020, Team Lebron will wear no.2 and team Giannis will wear number 24. Number 2 represents Gianna Bryant who wore this number while playing at the Mamba Academy. While 24 represents one Kobe’s jersey numbers during his time with the Lakers.
- Los Angeles Laker vs Portland Trailblazers Game
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The Lakers vs Trailblazers matchup was the first game played by the Lakers since Kobe Bryant’s death. During pregame the Lakers organization payed tribute through a video Montague that showcased Bryant over the years. Lebron James a friend of Kobe Bryant gave an emotional speech before the game to commemorate Bryant. The Staples Center also held 24.2 seconds of silence for all the life’s lost in this tragedy. Lastly, on the seats for every fan in attendance were shirts that had either number 8 or number 24 on them.