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The LA Clippers honor Kobe Bryant as his #8 and #24 jerseys are illuminated during their NBA game against the Sacramento Kings at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California, January 30, 2020.
The first NBA game at Staples Center since Kobe Bryant's death was difficult for the Los Angeles Clippers and Sacramento Kings.
Clippers forward Paul George narrated a 2-minute video tribute to Bryant before Thursday night's loss to the Kings. Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven others were killed Sunday in a helicopter crash in Southern California.
Bryant's retired No. 8 and No. 24 Lakers jerseys were left uncovered in the upper left corner of the arena. Following the video tribute, there was 24 seconds of silence followed by "Kobe, Kobe" chants before the national anthem.
The LA Clippers huddle prior to the game against the Sacramento Kings at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California, January 30, 2020.
The Clippers wore No. 24 shooting shirts during pregame warm-ups, while coach Doc Rivers and his staff wore ties and shoes honoring Bryant.
"I'm glad it's behind us. This will help us a little bit," Rivers said.
The tribute was a preamble to the Lakers' return to Staples Center on Friday night against Portland for their first game since Bryant's death. Their scheduled game Tuesday against the Clippers was postponed out of respect for the grieving franchise and city.
George, who grew up in the Los Angeles area, said during the video: "We gather tonight in the house that Kobe Bryant built to honor and remember him. He was as synonymous with Southern California as the sunshine and touched every inch of it."
"From this point on it is always going to be tough, especially being here in LA. I think every time we are in this arena and being reminded of him being in the rafters," George said.
Walton, a former Lakers player and coach, said he walked around LA Live shortly after the Kings arrived early Thursday morning. He added it was an emotional scene with people still outside mourning Bryant at 2 a.m.
Paul George of the LA Clippers shoots against the Sacramento Kings at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California, January 30, 2020.
"You think you're doing fine and then you walk into Staples Center. It is still really hard and a lot of emotions that continue to come back," said Walton, a teammate of Bryant's on two Lakers championship teams. "I try to focus on what an inspiration he is to me and others, which helps."
Sacramento Kings responded the emotional night with one of their best games this season.
De'Aaron Fox scored a career-high 34 points and the Kings made a franchise-record 21 3-pointers as they sealed the victory 124-103.
The Lakers will return to Staples Center on Friday night against Portland for their first game since Bryant's death.
Source(s): AP
