- LeBron’s text message when Kyrie Irving asked him to come to Dallas Mavericks revealed
- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar blames poor start to season for Lakers, says they looked ‘gassed’ in playoffs
- Report: There are ‘corners’ of Lakers organization that want to bring back D’Angelo Russell
- Report: ‘Door is not closed’ on Kyrie Irving joining Lakers in future even if he re-signs with Mavs this offseason
- Lakers insider doesn’t think team will sign Anthony Davis to extension this summer
- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar mentions sad truth about relationship with LeBron James while describing admiration for him
- Report: Kyrie Irving wants to shut down notion that he’s ‘angling’ to get to Lakers
- Gilbert Arenas says LeBron James will be behind Karl Malone if he goes to Dallas Mavericks
- Jaren Jackson Jr. calls LeBron James the ‘greatest player to play’ the game of basketball
- Report: Lakers have maintained that they have no interest in Kyrie Irving
Fans Chant ‘Kobe Bryant’ as They Gather Around Staples Center to Mourn Loss of Lakers Legend
- Updated: January 27, 2020
In the immediate aftermath of Kobe Bryant’s stunning death, fans of both Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers have converged at Staples Center in Los Angeles.
Fans gathering outside of Staples Center. Long Live Kobe ? pic.twitter.com/9gDKsz3RQl
— NBA Central (@TheNBACentral) January 26, 2020
Bryant and eight other people, including his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, were killed in a helicopter crash on Sunday morning.
Fans chanting “Kobe Bryant” outside of STAPLES Center pic.twitter.com/JxB8RTkZhv
— Lauren A. Jones (@LoJoMedia) January 27, 2020
News of Bryant’s death predictably sparked countless tributes on social media, with fans in the Los Angeles market simply coming to the arena where Bryant played the bulk of his home games over a 20-year career. Bryant’s first three seasons took place at the Great Western Forum.
The drastic change in emotions for fans of the Lakers is in contrast to the joy they’d been experiencing this season with the resurgence of the team.
Even with a loss on Saturday night, the Lakers still have the best record in the Western Conference at 36-10. That mark puts the Lakers on track for their first playoff appearance since 2013, a squad of which Bryant was apart.
During his 20 seasons, Bryant was a centerpiece of five NBA title teams, with fans hoping that this year’s team can pay tribute to his legendary status with another championship.