The NBA All-Star Game paid tribute to the late Kobe Bryant in multiple ways. And LeBron James said he could feel Bryant’s presence at the event, too.
What happened at the NBA All-Star Game?
- Team LeBron and Team Giannis honored Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna, who died in a helicopter crash at the end of January.
- After the game, James said he knew Kobe Bryant was with them.
- James: “You could definitely feel Bean’s (Kobe’s middle name) presence just from the start. Just from the start, from every moment, from the fans chanting his name to seeing the numbers every time Giannis’ team run on the floor you seen the 24. He was definitely here.”
What else did LeBron James say?
According to HuffPost, James was asked about the tributes popping up around the world. He said “anything else would be uncivilized.”
James said: “He’s one of the greatest basketball players, one of the most impactful players, and the inspiration that he has, it’s showing. How many people not only in the basketball world, but also outside the basketball world, that was touched by a person such as himself?”
James said: “Obviously, we all saw what he was able to do on the floor as a competitor, as a champion, someone who strived for excellence every single day,” he continued. “But we also saw the father he was as well to his beautiful daughters and to his wife. The things that he was doing, winning an Oscar, just doing so many things that people would aspire to do and gaining inspiration from him because of his drive. ... think it’s been amazing, and Im happy to be a part of it this weekend.”