Kobe Bryant death: NBA postpones Lakers-Clippers Tuesday game in honor of basketball legend
Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers had a game scheduled for January 28, but it has been postponed as a tribute to the Lakers legend, Kobe Bryant. LA Lakers put out a public statement saying that this measure was "out of respect" for their star and that they are "deeply grieving the tragic loss" of the basketball legend.
They also added, "This is a very difficult time for all of us." As reported by NBA to Huffpost, the team is currently undergoing grief counseling and is not ready to play under such tense circumstances. The league also thanked the public for their support, tribute and respect that they have been showing for Bryant ever since the news broke out.
Following the tragic news, hundreds of people gathered at the Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles to pay tribute. The sports arena is also addressed by fans as "the house that Kobe built" and has been home to the Lakers, Clippers, NHL’s LA Kings and the WNBA's LA Sparks. The stadium was lit up in purple and golden lights to honor the late champion and legend. The colors signify the league's house colors. The team has also retired jersey number 8 and 24 in honor of the NBA star, which he used to wear in his hay days.
The basketball legend has played for 20 seasons with Lakers and remains an icon in the history of American sports.
Bryant and his 13-year old daughter died in a helicopter crash on January 26 when the private aircraft, along with seven other passengers, crashed into a hill in Calabasas, California. The father and daughter were traveling to Newbury Park to visit their youth basketball team along with other coaches and Gianna's friend.
Among other deceased were pilot Ara Zobayan, Christina Mauser — coach of Harbor Day School basketball team, John Altobelli — coach of Orange Coast College baseball team, Altobelli's wife Keri and their daughter, Gianna Bryant's basketball teammate and her mother. The crash left no survivors.