Sunday’s (February 16) NBA All-Star Game in United Center in Chicago, Illinois was filled with touching tributes to Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old Gianna.
Fans, friends, colleagues and loved ones are still reeling from the shock when Kobe and Gianna were killed, along with seven others, in a fatal helicopter crash in Calabasas, California on January 26.
Everyone involved – from the performers, to the players and the speakers – honored the late basketball legend and his daughter in their own way.
His legacy was felt from the get-go – Magic Johnson kicked things off by sharing a few words about Kobe as well as the late NBA commissioner David Stern, who died on Jan. 1.
“We’ll never see another basketball player quite like Kobe, scoring 81 points in one game, scoring 60 points in his last game, and then, winning five NBA championships. But what I’m really proud about when we think about Kobe Bryant… he was passionate about being a great father, husband, filmmaker — young man won an Oscar — so we all are hurting,” Magic said in his speech.
Jennifer Hudson followed with a stunning rendition of “For All We Know” while photos of Kobe, including pics of him with Gigi, flashed behind the singer.
Common also came out to honor the city of Chicago, where the game was held, and Kobe with his opening tribute.
The All-Star players also paid tribute to both Kobe and Gigi with their jerseys – LeBron’s team sported the number 2 (Gianna’s jersey number on the Mamba Academy basketball team) while Giannis Antetokounmpo’s team wore Kobe’s number, 24.
Many also honored Kobe with their pre-game threads (and even shoes!) before changing into the memorial jerseys.
At halftime, Chance the Rapper, along with Quavo and DJ Khaled, got the crowd pumped with his biggest hits. He ended his performance on a poignant note though, singing “I Was A Rock” to soundtrack a montage of Kobe celebrating his many championship victories as well as clips of Kobe as a doting dad spending quality time with Gigi on the court.
The untimed fourth quarter also included a nod to Kobe’s number – using a target score, a 24 point lead over the other team, to signify the winner.
As previously revealed by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, the Kia NBA All-Star Game MVP Award was renamed in honor of Kobe, who was an 18-time All-Star and won four All-Star Game MVP awards during his career.
Kawhi Leonard, who lead Team LeBron to victory, became the first recipient of the award with its new name.
“We know that he’s watching over us and, you know, it’s our responsibility to represent the purple and gold. Not only for him, but for all the greats, everybody who’s ever come to the Lake show,” LeBron told reporters at the NBA All-Star Practice and Media Day in Chicago on Saturday (February 15). “I don’t want to — I don’t really want to sit up here and talk about it too much. It’s a very sensitive subject, but he’s with us every day.”
Last week, Kobe’s wife, Vanessa, confirmed that the memorial for Kobe Bryant and their 13-year-old, Gianna, will be held on Feb. 24 at the Staples Center, at 10 AM.
Posting an artwork with purple and yellow butterflies – the colors of Kobe’s team, the Los Angeles Lakers – on Instagram, the announcement reads, “A celebration of life. Kobe & Gianna Bryant. 2. 24. 20. 10 a.m. at STAPLES Center. Details to come.”
2.24.20 – the numbers hold a special significance for the family. A player on the Mamba Academy basketball team, 2 was Gianna’s jersey number. 24 was Kobe’s jersey number when he played for the Lakers, before retiring in 2016. And Vanessa shared that also has a special meaning – “#20 years as a Laker and the amount of years Kobe and I were together ❤️❤️💜💛”
Rest in love, Kobe and Gianna. You are missed.
