LeBron James' Son Bronny and His Teammates Pay Tribute to Kobe Bryant during High School Basketball Game
LeBron James Jr., mostly known as Bronny, joined members of his high school team in paying tribute to Kobe Bryant during their last basketball game. The teenager also nailed an incredible feat reminiscent of the late NBA star.
The tributes have not stopped pouring in for Kobe, who died in a helicopter crash on Sunday alongside his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna (aka Gigi). Bronny’s father, LeBron James, shared a close friendship with Kobe.
LeBron James and his son LeBron James Jr., on the court after a game on Dec. 28, 2018 in California | Photo: Getty Images
On Tuesday, the 15-year-old joined his Sierra Canyon High School basketball teammates in celebrating the life and legacy of one of the greatest NBA players to grace the hardcourt.
The heartbroken mom confirmed that their family was "completely devastated" by the loss of Kobe and Gigi
The team was playing against Campbell Hall, and some of the players opened the game in Kobe’s iconic Los Angeles Lakers jerseys. The team also took an eight-second shot clock violation in honor of Kobe’s jersey number.
Kobe Bryant & Gianna Bryant at the game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Dallas Mavericks on Dec. 29, 2019 in California | Photo: Getty Images
Campbell Hall was not left out of the tribute as they opened the game with a 24-second shot clock violation, paying homage to Kobe’s other jersey number. Chants of Kobe filled the air as fans at the venue honored the icon.
But the Kobe Bryant remembrance did not end there. As HuffPost noted, Bronny delivered an incredible slam-dunk during the game, one that was similar to Kobe’s and that had LeBron – watching courtside – on his feet.
The outlet also reported that LeBron would have been playing with the Lakers against the Clippers on Tuesday, but the game was postponed after news broke of Kobe and Gigi’s devastating deaths.
LeBron, who was the last person Kobe tweeted at before his death, previously paid tribute to the 18-time NBA All-Star in a heartbreaking social media post. "I’m heartbroken and devastated, my brother!!" he grieved.
On January 26, Kobe, 41, Gigi, and seven other passengers lost their lives after the NBA star’s helicopter crashed hillside in Calabasas, California. They were headed to a basketball game in nearby Thousand oaks when tragedy struck.
Gigi’s teammate Alyssa Altobelli, Alyssa's dad John, and mother Keri were on the aircraft. Another teammate Payton Chester and her mom Sarah, also died, as did basketball coach Christina Mauser and the pilot Ara Zobayan.
Kobe’s wife, Vanessa Bryant, broke her silence about the tragedy a few hours ago. The heartbroken mom confirmed that their family was "completely devastated" by the loss of Kobe and Gigi, calling them "beautiful blessings taken from us too soon."
"I’m not sure what our lives hold beyond today, and it’s impossible to imagine life without them," she added. "But we wake up each day, trying to keep pushing because Kobe, and our baby girl, Gigi, are shining on us to light the way."