The Los Angeles Lakers have found another way to honor Kobe Bryant on the court during their team huddles.
The Los Angeles Lakers have had a very difficult couple of days. Following the tragic accident that claimed the lives of nine people, including Lakers legend Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna, the team has had to do their best to get back on track.
The Lakers had their first game following the incident, scheduled against the LA Clippers, postponed to a later date. Their first game action, against the Portland Trail Blazers, was an emotional night.
The Trail Blazers picked up a victory over the Lakers, as Damian Lillard had a Mamba-Esque performance to lead his team to victory, 127-119. The team was able to get back on track against the Sacramento Kings in the second night of their back-to-back, winning 129-113.
For some people, it was just another win for the Lakers, their 37th of the season. However, that one was different.
One of Bryant’s crowning achievements in his career was scoring 81 points in a game against the Toronto Raptors. What was the Lakers’ first-half point total against the Kings, you ask? Why 81 of course.
If you add up the final score, 129-113, you will get another omen. That total is 242, the jersey numbers of Kobe and Gianna, 24 and 2.
It was a nice tribute, even if it is something that wasn’t planned. However, the Lakers have a tribute for Bryant every time they step onto the court.
According to Dave McMenamin of ESPN, the Lakers break every huddle with “1-2-3, Mamba!” Avery Bradley shared that news and also said the team has an angel looking over them based on the scoring numbers achieved against the Kings.
Avery Bradley says the Lakers have started saying “1-2-3 Mamba!” when breaking their huddles. On the Lakers scoring 81 in the first half, he says it shows the Lakers have an angel with them.
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) February 2, 2020
The Lakers have done a wonderful job honoring Bryant and trying to get back to business on the court. Adding Mamba to their chants is yet another great touch for the team, as they try to honor one of the greatest to ever don the purple and gold.
The team already had a goal of winning an NBA Championship in June. Achieving that would be even more special now given what the organization has had to mourn recently.