Tonight, the Los Angeles Lakers paid tribute to Kobe Bryant, who was tragically killed in a helicopter crash on Sunday. As part of the memorial, LeBron James gave a speech, and though he admitted to having one already prepared, he discarded it so he could speak from his heart to an arena full of emotional fans. As he spoke, James earnestly promised about what he and his teammates will do to continue the legacy Bryant left behind.
“Tonight we celebrate the kid that came here at 18, retired at 38 and became probably the best dad we’ve seen over the last three years.” pic.twitter.com/0sS7e91cuz
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) February 1, 2020
Before eulogizing his former teammate, James opened by acknowledging all nine of the victims of Sunday morning’s accident by name. Along with Bryant, those victims included his 13-year old daughter, Gianna, Payton Chester, Alyssa Altobelli, Keri Altobelli, Christina Mauser, John Altobelli, Sarah Chester and pilot Ara Zobayan.
Videos by PopCulture.com
James has been fairly outspoken since Bryant’s death on Sunday, with two heartfelt Instagram posts and a tattoo commemorating his late teammate. His promise to continue his former teammates’ legacy — both on and off the court — echoed what he had initially posted on Tuesday.
“My heart goes to Vanessa and the kids,” he wrote. “I promise you I’ll continue your legacy man! You mean so much to us all here especially #LakerNation and it’s my responsibility to put this shit on my back and keep it going!! Please give me the strength from the heavens above and watch over me! I got US here! There’s so much more I want to say but just can’t right now because I can’t get through it! Until we meet again my brother!!”
In addition to tonight’s speech, James also wore a special unreleased pair of Bryant’s sneakers prior to taking on the Portland Trail Blazers.
As tributes poured in from across the NBA ahead of, and during, tonight’s game, Usher also gave a powerful rendition of “Amazing Grace,” which further tugged at fans’ already-tender heartstrings.
Bryant was killed around 10 AM PST Sunday morning near Calabasas, CA when his helicopter crashed into some nearby terrain. The cause of the crash is still being investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board, who have asked the public’s help with any photos that could help indicate what the weather was like around that time, given the helicopter did not have a black box on board.
Most Viewed
-
(Credit: Rafa Jodar / Getty Images) -
NORTH BERGEN, NJ – AUGUST 23: Exterior view of a Walmart store on August 23, 2020 in North Bergen, New Jersey. Walmart saw its profits jump in latest quarter as e-commerce sales surged during the coronavirus pandemic (Photo by Kena Betancur/VIEWpress via Getty Images) -
A ring of vibrant marigold flowers with glowing candles at the center, set against a dark background. (Credit: Eduardo Monroy Husillos / Getty Images) -
Netflix logo is displayed during the 'Paris Games Week' on November 02, 2017 in Paris, France. (Credit: Chesnot / Getty Images) -
NEW YORK CITY – DECEMBER 19: "Toil and Trouble" – Elsbeth is thrown into the world of television after the showrunner of a long-running police procedural is brutally murdered in his office, and although it appears to be the act of a disgruntled fan, she begins to suspect the show's longtime star Regina Coburn (Laurie Metcalf) who yearns for artistic fulfillment. Meanwhile, Judge Crawford (Michael Emerson) continues to be a thorn in Elsbeth's side, on the CBS original series ELSBETH, Thursday, Dec. 19 (10:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount+ (live and on demand for Paramount+ with SHOWTIME subscribers, or on demand for Paramount+ Essential subscribers the day after the episode airs). Pictured (L-R): Carrie Preston as Elsbeth Tascioni and Carra Patterson as Kaya Blanke. (Photo by Michael Parmelee/CBS via Getty Images) -
Official promotional artwork for <em>The Voice</em> -
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 29: The Rose Parade letters and 2026 theme "The Magic in Teamwork" at the Tournament of Roses House on December 29, 2025 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Kirby Lee/Getty Images)
