Kobe Bryant Honoured at First Lakers Game Since Death

1 Usher Sings "Amazing Grace" to Open Kobe's Tribute Ceremony

Usher began the evening with a heartfelt performance while a video montage of mourners played on the big screen.

1 / 10

2 Cellist Ben Hong Performs During a Video Tribute For Kobe

Famed LA-based cellist Ben Hong provided background symphonies during a six-minute video about Kobe's life, career, and unparalleled passion for basketball.

2 / 10

3 Boyz II Men Perform the National Anthem

During Boyz II Men's performance of the national anthem, the big screen honoured Kobe and Gigi, as well as the seven other passengers who lost their lives in the crash: Christina Mauser, Ara Zobayan, Sarah and Payton Chester, and John, Keri, and Alyssa Altobelli.

3 / 10

4 Lakers Wear Kobe's Jersey Numbers "8" and "24"

Image Source: Getty / Harry How

Every Laker player sported Kobe's jersey numbers as a sign of respect and solidarity.

4 / 10

5 LeBron James Delivers an Emotional Speech About Kobe's Legacy

Opting to "go straight from the heart" instead of reading a prewritten speech, LeBron spoke about the tight-knit bond among Laker fans and Kobe's influence on the game. "I know at some point we will have a memorial for Kobe but I look at this as a celebration tonight," he said. "This is a celebration of the 20 years of the blood, sweat, tears, the broken down body, the getting up, the sitting down, the countless hours, the determination to be as great as he could be. Tonight we celebrate the kid who came here at 18 years of age, retired at 38 and become the best dad that we've seen over the last three years."

He went on to encourage fellow NBA athletes to keep playing for Kobe before concluding, "In the words of Kobe Bryant, Mamba out. But in the words of us, not forgotten. Live on, brother."

5 / 10

6 Every Starter on the Lakers Is Announced as Kobe

Announcer Lawrence Tanter introduced the starting five as "6'6, 20th campaign out of Lower Merion High School, Kobe Bryant."

6 / 10

7 Seats With Kobe and Gigi's Jerseys Are Left Empty

Image Source: Getty / FREDERIC J. BROWN

Two chairs with Kobe and Gigi's jerseys remained empty throughout the entire night.

7 / 10

8 The Lakers and Trail Blazers Honour Kobe With 24-Second and 8-Second Violations

After winning the opening tip, the Lakers dribbled down the shot clock to receive a 24-second violation. The Trail Blazers followed up with an 8-second backcourt violation. Both were nods to Kobe's jersey numbers.

8 / 10

9 Wiz Khalifa and Charlie Puth Perform "See You Again" at Halftime

The two artists came together to perform their 2015 song.

9 / 10

10 Vanessa Bryant Posts About the Lakers' Tribute Ceremony For Kobe

Image Source: Getty / Axelle/Bauer-Griffin

Vanessa didn't attend the game, but she expressed gratitude for everyone's love and support on Instagram. Sharing a photo of Kobe and Gigi's jerseys, she wrote, "There is no #24 without #2. #GirlDaddy #DaddysGirl #MyBabies #OurAngels #KobeandGigi."

10 / 10