Every Heartbreaking Moment From the Lakers' Tribute Ceremony For Kobe Bryant

Updated on Feb 2, 2020 at 11:23 AM

The Staples Center was full of emotion on Friday night. The Los Angeles Lakers came together to honor Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna "Gigi" Bryant, who were two of nine victims killed in a helicopter crash on Jan. 26. The tribute ceremony, Remembering Kobe, marked the first Lakers game since the NBA legend's death.

Usher, Boyz II Men, Charlie Puth, and Wiz Khalifa were among those who performed tributes. Additionally, LeBron James took the court to deliver an impassioned speech about the empire Kobe built during his 20-season career as a Laker. Ahead of the game, LeBron and his teammates wore Kobe's jerseys, with numbers 8 and 24, and moments before tip-off, every starter was announced as Kobe Bryant in lieu of their names. Kobe's and Gigi's jerseys were draped over two courtside chairs with flowers resting on the seats.

Kobe's impact was also felt by the Lakers' opponents of the evening, the Portland Trail Blazers. All-Star guard Damian Lillard channeled the "Mamba Mentality" and delivered a Kobe-like performance with 48 points, 11 assists, and nine rebounds. "It was only right for us to pay our respect pregame and then go out there and honor him by competing at a higher level, and I thought both teams did that," Damian told ESPN after the game. Look ahead to see every moment from the moving ceremony.

Usher Sings "Amazing Grace" to Open Kobe's Tribute Ceremony

Usher began the evening with a heartfelt performance while a video montage of mourners played on the big screen.

Cellist Ben Hong Performs During a Video Tribute For Kobe

Famed LA-based cellist Ben Hong performed during a six-minute video about Kobe's life, career, and unparalleled passion for basketball.

Boyz II Men Perform the National Anthem

During Boyz II Men's performance of the national anthem, the big screen honored Kobe and Gigi, as well as the seven other passengers who lost their lives in the crash: Christina Mauser, Ara Zobayan, Sarah and Payton Chester, and John, Keri, and Alyssa Altobelli.

The Lakers Wear Kobe's Jerseys

Every Lakers player sported a Kobe jersey, either with a 24 or an 8, as a sign of respect and solidarity.

LeBron James Delivers an Emotional Speech About Kobe's Legacy

Opting to "go straight from the heart" instead of reading a prewritten speech, LeBron spoke about the tight-knit bond among Lakers fans and Kobe's influence on the game. "I know at some point we will have a memorial for Kobe, but I look at this as a celebration tonight," he said. "This is a celebration of the 20 years of the blood, the sweat, the tears, the broken-down body, the getting up, the sitting down, the everything, the countless hours, the determination to be as great as he could be. Tonight we celebrate the kid that came here at 18 years of age, retired at 38, and became probably the best dad that we've seen over the last three years."

He went on to encourage fellow NBA athletes to keep playing for Kobe, then concluded, "In the words of Kobe Bryant, Mamba out. But in the words of us, not forgotten. Live on, brother."

Every Starter on the Lakers Is Announced as Kobe

Announcer Lawrence Tanter introduced each member of the starting five with some variation of "6-6, 20th year, from Lower Merion High School, Kobe Bryant."

Seats With Gigi's and Kobe's Jerseys Are Left Empty

Two chairs adorned with Gigi's and Kobe's jerseys remained empty throughout the entire night.

The Lakers and Trail Blazers Honor Kobe With 24-Second and 8-Second Violations

After winning the opening tip, the Lakers dribbled out the shot clock to receive a 24-second violation. The Trail Blazers followed up with an 8-second backcourt violation. Both were nods to Kobe's jersey numbers.

Wiz Khalifa and Charlie Puth Perform "See You Again" at Halftime

The two artists came together to perform their 2015 song.

Fans Chant Kobe’s Name During the Fourth Quarter

The chorus permeated Staples Center as the game continued.

Vanessa Bryant Posts About the Lakers' Tribute Ceremony For Kobe

Vanessa didn't attend the game, but she expressed gratitude for everyone's love and support on Instagram. Sharing a photo of Kobe's and Gigi's jerseys, she wrote, "There is no #24 without #2. ❤️#GirlDaddy #DaddysGirl #MyBabies ❤️❤️ #OurAngels #KobeandGigi."