logo
youtube.com/MLG Highlights
youtube.com/MLG Highlights

LeBron James Fights Back Tears as He Pays Tribute Kobe Bryant Head of Lakers vs Trail Blazers Game

Tichafa Chidzonga
Feb 03, 2020
02:22 P.M.

LeBron James joined the Laker Nation for a memorial, where he shared a personal speech during an emotional tribute to Kobe Bryant and the victims who died in the helicopter crash.

Advertisement

Since the tragic death of legendary NBA player, Kobe Bryant, his former Olympic teammate, LeBron James shared an emotional speech ahead of the Laker's first game against the Portland Trail Blazers.

LeBron came prepared with a speech in hand. However, before he could begin his tribute, he tossed his speech, and admitted that he would not be doing Kobe justice if he didn't speak from his heart.

In remembering all the lives lost, he began his speech by naming all nine of the victims killed in the helicopter crash alongside Kobe and his 13-years-old daughter, Gianna Bryant. Acknowledging the grief shared by those that loved Kobe and the other victims, LeBron said:

"As I look around this arena, we're all grieving, we're all hurt, we're all heartbroken and when we're going through things like this, the best thing you can do is lean on the shoulders of your family."

Advertisement

In his speech, LeBron admitted that the support and reception he received from the Laker Nation through the fans, coaches, players, and organization as a whole had shown him throughout the week what the true definition of a family is.

Advertisement

He said the support that everyone has shown is something he thinks Kobe, his daughter, Gianna and his wife, Vanessa Bryant would be thankful for. Vanessa did not attend the memorial. However, she shared a picture of roses and tribute shirt for Kobe and Gianna that was displayed at the arena.

Advertisement

Despite appearing emotional at times LeBron stood determined to give the players an inspiring speech. He encouraged people to celebrate during the game, he explained:

"Tonight we celebrate the kid who came here at 18 years of age, retired at 38 and became probably the best dad we've seen over the last three years."

Advertisement

In his dedication to his friend, Lebron also promised that he and his teammates would continue to celebrate Kobe's legacy for as long as they are playing basketball, he ended his speech saying:

"So in the words of Kobe Bryant, Mamba out. But in the words of us, not forgotten. Live on brother."

LeBron James and Kobe Bryant chat during a press conference for basketball ahead of the London 2012 Olympics, on July 27, 2012 in London, England | Source: Jeff Gross/Getty Images

LeBron James and Kobe Bryant chat during a press conference for basketball ahead of the London 2012 Olympics, on July 27, 2012 in London, England | Source: Jeff Gross/Getty Images

As the public waits to hear deatils about Kobe's funeral, Vanessa and her children, Natalia, Capri, and Bianka have not been seen in public.

According to CNN, in a statement delivered to media outlets by Molly Carter, president of Kobe Inc., the family has requested their privacy, and warned the media against inaccurate stories, because they are causing "unnecessary pain" to the already grieving family.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Related posts

Prince Harry Responded to Rumors That He Is Not King Charles’ Real Son – Why People Think He Is Illegitimate

May 04, 2024

'Looks Nothing like Him at All': Ben Affleck, 51, Recent Spotted at Lakers Game, Stirring up Fans

March 18, 2024

Fixing Old Widow’s Roof, Men Find Stash Her Husband Left and Decide to Stay Silent about It – Story of the Day

April 29, 2024

Colin Farrell Is the Father of Two Sons, One of Whom Has 'Special Needs' — A Look at Him as a Dad

May 01, 2024

Waitress Notices Napkin Scribbled with the Words "HELP ME" on Restaurant Floor — Story of the Day

April 02, 2024

Woman Suspected Her Husband of Cheating with Their Cleaning Lady – The Reality Left Her Shocked

April 28, 2024

3 Gut-Wrenching Stories Where People Witnessed Something Chilling on Their Jobs

March 20, 2024

3 Catching Stories Where Spying on Spouses Unraveled Hidden Truths

May 02, 2024

Washington Mom, 38, Dies in Her Van Enroute Homeschool Activity with Her Kids: Tragic Details

March 27, 2024

Enraged Husband Hunts for His Wife in Hospital – Story of the Day

April 28, 2024

Man Comes on a First Date and Sees the Woman Is Disabled – Story of the Day

March 11, 2024

Jennifer Lopez & Ben Affleck Make the Headlines after Getting a Flat Tire amid Romantic Date

March 19, 2024

Al Pacino’s Blunder and Emma Stone’s Dress Mishap: The Most Awkward Moments at the Oscars 2024

March 12, 2024

Prince Harry Once Said He Wants His Father Back — Inside Their Relationship as Charles' Diagnosis Is Revealed

February 07, 2024