Sights and Sounds from the Los Angeles Lakers first game since Kobe Bryant's tragic passing

Kyle Irving

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Sights and Sounds from the Los Angeles Lakers first game since Kobe Bryant's tragic passing image

Five days since Kobe Bryant's sudden tragic passing, the Los Angeles Lakers took the floor for the first time at the STAPLES Center. 

Damian Lillard dropped a game-high 48 points (17-30 FGs), including 23 in the third quarter, while also recording 10 assists and nine rebounds as he led the Trail Blazers to a 127-119 win. He received plenty of help from Hassan Whiteside, who finished with 30 points (13-14 FGs) and 13 rebounds and five blocks. 

For the Lakers, LeBron James (22p/10a/8r) and Anthony Davis (37p/15r/6a/5b) both recorded double-doubles. 

The Lakers honoured the late great Bryant in several different ways.

Pregame

This logo with Kobe's initials can be found on the Lakers' uniforms and the baseline at each end of the STAPLES Center court.

That same patch will also be on the t-shirts on every seat in the building. Half the arena will receive No. 8 Kobe shirts, the other half will receive No. 24 Kobe shirts.

James, who uses Kobe Bryant's old locker, paid tribute to the legend with his jersey hanging in plain sight.


The Lakers kept two courtside seats empty in honour of Kobe and his daughter Gianna.


All the Lakers players were wearing Kobe's No. 8 and 24 jerseys in warmups.

At halftime, Charlie Puth and Wiz Khalifa help honour Kobe with their classic hit See You Again.


A proper warmup track  Kobe Bryant  by Lil' Wayne was playing through the STAPLES Center speakers.


Gianna Bryant's teammates had a front row seat to tonight's contest.


Usher sings Amazing Grace to begin the ceremony.


The tribute video. Amazing.


LeBron James is absolutely incredible. His speech – perfect.


Detail is everything. LeBron rocking the arm sweatband and finger sweatband in honour of Kobe.



The Lakers PA announcer announced all five of the Lakers starters as Kobe Bryant.

During the game

As expected, the Lakers won the tip and took a 24-second shot clock violation. The Blazers followed that up with an eight-second backcourt violation. For Kobe.


Kobe's kicks are all over the STAPLES Center court tonight.


James sported two of Kobe's sneakers for each half:

Quinn Cook, who switched his number from 2 to 28 to honour both Gianna and Kobe Bryant, knocked down his first 3-point attempt in his new uniform.


Later, in the fourth quarter, a KOBE chant broke out. 

Postgame

Kyle Irving

Kyle Irving Photo

You read that wrong – not Kyrie Irving. From Boston, graduated from the University of New Hampshire. Sixth season as a content producer for NBA.com's Global editions. Covering the NBA Draft has become his annual "dream come true" moment on the job. Irving has a soft spot for pass-first point guards, with Rajon Rondo and Steve Nash being two of his favorite players of all time.