Los Angeles will hold a memorial for Kobe Bryant, his daughter, 13-year-old Gianna Bryant, and seven others who died in a Jan.
26 helicopter crash. It was announced on Thursday.
According to the Los Angeles Times, the city will hold a service at Staples Center on Monday, Feb. 24. The event will also honor victims John Altobelli, Keri Altobelli, Alyssa Altobelli, Sarah Chester, Payton Chester, Christina Mauser, and pilot Ara Zobayan.
The date keeps special importance for the Bryant family: Gianna wore jersey No. 2 at the Mamba Sports Academy, and Bryant wore No. 24 in the latter half of his career.
The L.A. Clippers have a game against the Memphis Grizzlies later the same night at the arena. Staples Center has also worked as the location for memorials to Michael Jackson in 2009 and Nipsey Hussle in 2019.
Last week, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti confirmed a public memorial for the Los Angeles Lakers legend was in the works.
“There will absolutely be a memorial to mark the contributions of this incredible man and not only him, but to commemorate the loss of his daughter and all the other families that were there,” Garcetti, 49, said Thursday, according to KTLA. “We don’t have that date finalized but we’ve been talking every day to the Lakers, and most importantly, to Bryant’s widow, Vanessa as well.”
As the news went viral of the Jan. 26 helicopter crash, fans around the world paid tribute to the five-time NBA champion.
Lakers players like LeBron James took to social media to share their own tributes to Bryant.
“I’m Not Ready but here I go. Man, I sitting here trying to write something for this post but every time I try I begin crying again just thinking about you, niece Gigi and the friendship/bond/brotherhood we had!” James said of Bryant in the first of two Instagram tributes.
“It’s my responsibility to put this s— on my back and keep it going!!” he continued. “Please give me the strength from the heavens above and watch over me! I got the US here! There’s so much more I want to say but just can’t right now because I can’t get through it! Until we meet again my brother!!“
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