From a carnival in his honor to the star studded lineup of fellow NBA/Sports greats who made their way to Staples Center in DTLA- not one, but both of Kobe Bryant’s No. 8 and No. 24 jerseys were raised into the rafters Monday night- cementing his legacy and officially making him the first NBA player to have two jerseys from the same team retired.
Laker Nation saw a new side of the Black Mamba. A humbled, relaxed, family man sat courtside- watching Lonzo Ball and the exciting, young Laker squad face Kevin Durant and the injury ridden Golden State Warriors- awaiting his halftime glory.
As the 2nd quarter came to a close and the lights dimmed in the arena, fans turned their attention to the Jumbotron, where Kobe’s animated short film “Dear Basketball” began to play. It was thereafter the city’s beloved star walked out from the tunnel and met the spotlight in the center of the floor. He then was introduced by Magic Johnson, read the many appreciative and loving words of Laker Nation by Jeanie Buss, and finally “dropped the mic” with his own heartfelt speech for the books after watching his jerseys rise to hang along side the late voice of the Lakers, Chick Hearn.
A night of many thrills did not stop at halftime, as the Lakers & Warriors battled into overtime before the purple and gold fell 116-114 after Kevin Durant’s 22-foot jumper pushed Golden State ahead for their ninth consecutive win.
Highlights:
Los Angeles Lakers-Kyle Kuzma-25 points
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