More than 20,000 people gathered at Staples Center for a memorial service Monday to honor Kobe Bryant. The Los Angeles Lakers star was killed in a helicopter crash last month, along with his daughter and seven others. ESPN says, “friends, family and those who acquired tickets through a lottery (80,000 applied) — crowded into the arena, with ticket proceeds benefiting the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation.”
The most touching tribute came from Bryant’s widow, Vanessa who memorialized her husband and daughter Gigi:
“God knew they couldn’t be on this Earth without each other. He had to bring them home to have them together.”
Vanessa Bryant on her late husband Kobe Bryant: "He was my everything. Kobe and I have been together since I was 17 and a half years old. He was the most amazing husband."#KobeFarewellhttps://t.co/CDCCxXjnY6 pic.twitter.com/VudxjVkZee
— Good Morning America (@GMA) February 24, 2020
Another touching tribute came from Bryant’s closest friend, Rob Pelinka.
Rob Pelinka, Lakers GM and Kobe Bryant's former agent, said he received a text from Bryant shortly before his helicopter crashed #KobeFarewell https://t.co/ww51ZxTqzn pic.twitter.com/6KcJB3UNtW
— Variety (@Variety) February 24, 2020
Through tears, NBA legend Michael Jordan also talked about Bryant, saying “it may surprise people that Kobe and I were close friends… When Kobe Bryant died, a piece of me died.”
Michael Jordan on Kobe Bryant: “He was like a little brother. Everyone always wanted to talk about the comparisons between he and I. I just wanted to talk about Kobe" https://t.co/NY1kjRUXSg pic.twitter.com/GQojIE5x3o
— CBS News (@CBSNews) February 24, 2020
Longtime teammate Shaquille O’Neal addressed his sometimes rocky relationship with Bryant, but said:
“Sometimes, like immature kids, we argued and we fought, or we insulted each other with offhand remarks. But when the cameras were turned off, he and I would throw a wink at each other and say, ‘let’s go whoop ass… In truth, Kobe and I always maintained a deep respect and a love for one another.”
“Now it’s time for us to continue your legacy.”
Shaq on Kobe’s impact. pic.twitter.com/Zw2n3b1aMB
— NBA TV (@NBATV) February 24, 2020