Fellow players, NBA coaches, and celebrities paid tribute before Kobe Bryant’s last game with Lakers
The pre-game ceremonies and tributes that the Los Angeles Lakers had planned ahead of Kobe Bryant’s last game on Wednesday at STAPLES Center against the Utah Jazz were numerous and all striking emotional chords. That was always going to be expected considering the legend that was being honored before the last game of his career.
However, there was one tribute that stood out from the rest. After his player intro, Magic Johnson came out and said some words and then led into a video shown on the video board inside the arena.
Throughout the video, various members of the NBA family, peers, and celebrities all had kind words to say about Kobe Bryant at the end of his career, honoring and paying tribute to an all-time great one last time:
Man.
This was always going to be an incredibly emotional night as Lakers fans and Kobe Bryant fans say goodbye to a legend. However, the video tributes were unreal and this one may have been the best of the bunch. Not only is it crazy to see how much respect that his peers, friends, and competition had for him, but then there are moments that just tug at the heartstrings.
Obviously seeing Kobe’s reaction to his good friend Pau Gasol is heart-warming, but nothing was quite as touching as seeing Lamar Odom—after all that he’s been through in regards to his health as of late—speaking and spreading love for Bryant in that moment. That’s truly incredible. Having Jack Nicholson was another great touch to end the video.
Next: 5 Players Who Can Be 'Next Kobe,' Continue His Legacy
This wasn’t the first or the last tribute or ceremony to honor Kobe Bryant on the eve of his final game in the NBA and with the Lakers—however, it may very well be the most touching.