Friday night marked the first time the Lakers have played at Staples Center since Kobe Bryant's tragic accident on Jan. 26
The crowd then stood for a 24.2 second moment of silence for all nine victims in the helicopter: John, Keri and Alyssa Altobelli, Payton and Sarah Chester, Christina Mauser and Ara Zobayan in addition to Gianna and Bryant.
To conclude the pre-game tribute, James walked out on the court to give a speech — throwing out the one he had prepared so he could speak from the heart.“As I look around this arena, we’re all grieving,” he said tearfully. “Everybody that’s here, this is really truly a family… now, I know at some point we will have a memorial for Kobe… but I look at this as a celebration tonight. This is a celebration of the blood, sweat and tears… the determination to be as great as he could be.
Two seats were left open on the Lakers bench in honor of Bryant and Gianna. Each of their jerseys wereGianna and Kobe Bryant's jerseysAhead of the game, Lakers head coach Frank Vogel told PEOPLE about the special family bond the team shares and how it has been exemplified in this tragic week. Carmelo Anthony of the visiting Portland Trailblazers did not join the team due to “personal reasons”.moving tribute to him on Instagram this week
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