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.”

Another touching tribute came from Bryant’s closest friend, Rob Pelinka.

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.”

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.”