It’s been a week since Kobe Bryant passed away in a fatal helicopter crash that killed nine people – including his 13-year-old daughter Giana – and fans, colleagues and loved ones continue to reel from the devastating loss.
The 2020 GRAMMYs (January 26) put together a series of tributes to the basketball legend throughout the evening’s ceremony, which took place just hours after news of his shocking death came out. NBA icons Shaquille O’Neal, Dwyane Wade, Kenny Smith and Charles Barkley along with sportscaster Ernie Johnson held an hour-long tribute to Kobe at the Staples Center on Tuesday (January 28).
With his lasting impact in the sports and entertainment industries, people continue to come together to honor Kobe and his legacy.
On Friday (January 31), the Los Angeles Lakers were up against the Portland Trail Blazers in their first game since Kobe’s death (The Lakers postponed their game against the Los Angeles Clippers earlier this week.) Held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, the entire court was dedicated to Kobe – with the team sporting Kobe’s numbers (8 and 24) during the warm up, and the players wearing jerseys sewn with with patches of KB. They also had two special seats with Kobe’s and Giana’s jerseys that had roses on them.
Usher kicked off the tribute, singing a beautiful rendition of “Amazing Grace,” which soundtracked clips of Kobe shown on the screen. A cellist followed, playing “Hallelujah” as a video montage of Kobe talking about basketball, his family and life flashed on screen.
The announcer led the crowd in remembering everyone who died in the crash – Kobe, Gianna, Alyssa, John Altobelli, Keri Altobelli, Payton, Sarah Chester, Christina Mauser and Ara Zobayan – and held a moment of silence for them.
Boyz II Men, who sang a tribute to the star at the GRAMMYs, sang the national anthem at the game. LeBron James then took the stage with a touching speech dedicated to Kobe.
At halftime, Wiz Khalifa and Charlie Puth performed “See You Again” in honor of Kobe and all the victims.
“To the late Kobe Bryant,” Wiz said towards the end of their performance. “Peace and blessing to his entire family. His legacy is gonna be remembered. We love you Kobe.”
On Sunday (February 2), the Super Bowl also honored the late basketball legend with a special tribute.
The players of San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs lined up at the 24-yard line as they observed a moment of silence to honor both Kobe and Pro Football Hall of Famer and Minnesota Vikings defensive end Chris Doleman, who died on Tuesday (January 28).
A few NFL players also paid homage to Kobe with their cleats – Chiefs player Demarcus Robinson wore one purple and one yellow shoe, Dante Pettis of the 49ers had the phrase “Mamba Out” on his cleats, and 49ers receiver Emmanuel Sanders’ game-day shoes read “Rest in Peace” with number “24.”
Jennifer also included a tribute to Kobe during her epic halftime show – a giant yellow and purple cross (the colors of Kobe’s team, the Los Angeles Lakers), which bathed the field at the stadium as her daughter Emme sang “Let’s Get Loud.”
He will also be honored at the 2020 Oscars on February 9.
