Speaking at times through tears, Kobe Bryant’s wife, Vanessa, offers a poignant portrait of her NBA superstar husband and their daughter at a packed memorial service for the two.
Vanessa Bryant speaks during a celebration of life for her husband Kobe Bryant and daughter Gianna Monday, Feb. 24, 2020, in Los Angeles.
The service took place at the downtown arena where Bryant played for the Los Angeles Lakers for the final 17 seasons of his two-decade NBA career. Thousands of Lakers fans, many wearing Bryant’s jersey or team colors, attended the tearful gathering to honor Los Angeles’ most popular athlete and a global basketball icon.
Jordan, the Chicago Bulls great whose career was wrapping up as Bryant’s was starting in the late 1990s, praised Bryant as “one of my dear friends. He was like a little brother. ... As I got to know him, I wanted to be the best big brother that I could be.” Vanessa Bryant was followed on the podium by basketball stars Diana Taurasi and Sabrina Ionescu. Kobe Bryant was a passionate advocate for women’s basketball, and Gigi Bryant was a promising young player.
The family’s love of the game — and Bryant’s work in women’s sports — prompted her to become a middle school girls’ basketball coach. Her team had played Gianna’s team and she would watch Bryant cheer for his daughter in the stands. She said she went up to Bryant to introduce herself at a game.
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Thousands Expected To Attend Kobe Bryant Memorial In Los AngelesThe date chosen for the memorial honoring Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna — 2/24/20 — is a combination of their jersey numbers. She wore No. 2, while he wore No. 24 in the latter part of his career with the Lakers.
Read more »
How Los Angeles is remembering Kobe BryantAs news of the crash spread, people set to mourning collectively and individually. Paint dried, ink settled into skin, and a city speckled purple and gold.
Read more »
Boxer Sergey Kovalev Arrested for DUI In Los AngelesBoxing star Sergey Kovalev was arrested for DUI in Los Angeles early Monday morning, TMZ Sports has learned.
Read more »
Dance in L.A. this week: Los Angeles Ballet salutes Balanchine and moreDance performances in L.A. for Feb. 23-March 1 include Los Angeles Ballet's salute to choreographer George Balanchine at the Broad Stage
Read more »