Kobe Bryant fans want his funeral and public memorial at Staples Center as mourners hold vigil at iconic arena
Kobe Bryant's death in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California on Sunday, January 26, has seen a massive outpouring of tributes and support from not just across the country, but also the world.
The basketballer's legendary status in the city of Los Angeles meant that practically every resident was out on the streets and heading towards the Staples Center, the home of Bryant's beloved Los Angeles Lakers, to honor him with flowers, replica jerseys, and more.
Los Angeles mayor Eric Garcetti announced that the City Hall was lit up in purple and gold to honor the 41-year-old and tweeted, "Lights for a legend. Los Angeles City Hall lit in purple and gold starting at 8:24 p.m. this evening in honor of Kobe Bryant’s storied championship career and in memory of Bryant, his daughter, Gianna, and all who perished in today’s tragedy."
And while there are still no details about his funeral and memorial service, fans are hoping that it will be held at the Staples Center, where he spent his entire basketballing career and became one of the game's greatest-ever names.
There would be a precedence to it as well, considering Michael Jackson's memorial was held in the same arena in 2009, and Kobe was one of several notable celebrities to pay tribute to the 'King of Pop' at the service.
There would be no objections from the Lakers -- who are expected to honor Bryant during their next home game -- or anyone in the city, though there could be certain logistical problems considering the center's capacity and how the funeral is expected to be one of the biggest ever.
However, as Bryant's 13-year-old daughter Gianna was also amongst the victims in the crash, it could be possible that his family would opt for a more private service, though that would by no means rule out a larger service that was broadcast on television and open to the public.
Bryant's influence extends far beyond just the city of Los Angeles, and that has been reflected in an announcement made by Sheldon T. Banks, the owner of the Sheldon T. Banks Funeral Chapel in Flint, Michigan.
In a Facebook post, Banks said a register book had been made available for local fans and residents to sign between 9 am and 5 pm at the funeral home, and that while they were not handling any of the services, "the book and any other cards and condolences will be sent to the funeral home in which final arrangements have been entrusted to."