LeBron Gets Emotional About Kobe Bryant After All-Star Game…’You could feel Kobe’s presence…’

The All-Star Game was all about Kobe Bryant. LeBron James and Kawhi Leonard paid tributes to the late Lakers legend.

Kobe lost his life in a helicopter crash on January 26. He was traveling with his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven other people. The helicopter crashed outside Los Angeles. Every basketball fan still mourns over the death of the Black Mamba.

On Friday and Saturday, players who took part in the Rising Stars game and in the All-Star Saturday events had jersey patches featuring Gianna and Kobe’s jersey numbers. We could see the same numbers in the All-Star Game on Sunday. Team LeBron wore No. 2 and Team Giannis had No. 24.

The All-Star Game was all about Kobe Bryant

The NBA changed the format of the fourth quarter to honor Bryant. They set a target score in the final period by adding 24 points. This is yet another nod to the number Kobe had in the second half of his carer.

LeBron praised the symbolism of the jerseys and the decision NBA commissioner Adam Silver made to rename the All-Star Game MVP trophy after Bryant.

“I think it’s just another great deed of our great commissioner, Adam Silver,” he said. “Just for him to think of that and be able to rename the MVP trophy after Kobe. What that guy meant to our league, his inspiration around players [….] Every time Giannis [Antetokounmpo] and his teammates ran down the court, I see the back of them, No. 24. I noticed my finger band that has a 24 on it. His legacy is living on every single day with us.”

LeBron also said that Kobe’s presence was felt. He was there right from the beginning of the game.

Kawhi Leonard is the first recipient of the Kobe Bryant MVP award after leading Team LeBron to a 157-155 win. He paid tribute to the late Lakers legend.

“Words can’t even explain, just making this the first Kobe Bryant MVP trophy,” the reigning NBA Finals MVP said. “I want to thank Kobe for everything he [has] done for me, all the long talks, the workouts, thank you.”

Former Lakers director of basketball operations Magic Johnson also delivered a message. He talked about Bryant’s impact on the game. He was an icon, and athletes looked up to him. Bryant changed the game, and Johnson said that there won’t be another player quite like him. He is absolutely right. No one can replace the Black Mamba.

Add a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *