Fans carry posters of Kobe Bryant near the Staples Center before a public memorial for former Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna, in Los Angeles, Monday, Feb. 24, 2020. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
Fans carry posters of Kobe Bryant near the Staples Center before a public memorial for former Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna, in Los Angeles, Monday, Feb. 24, 2020. Ringo H.W. Chiu, Associated Press
Herb Scribner
By Herb Scribner
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Kobe Bryant, Gianna Bryant and the seven others who died in a tragic helicopter crash on Jan. 26 were honored Monday a “Celebration of Life” event at the Staples Center.

What happened before the memorial?

  • Fans gathered outside of the Staples Center ahead of the event, despite warnings from police and local officials to avoid the area for security reasons if you didn’t have a ticket.
  • Vendors sold hats and memorabilia to fans.
  • Several fans came dressed in their favorite Kobe Bryant jersey and in attire to honor the Los Angeles Lakers legend.

Scenes outside the memorial:

  • The Associated Press took a number of photos honoring Kobe Bryant, which we’ve rounded up for you below so you can see what it was like in Los Angeles before the memorial.
Fans carry posters of Kobe Bryant near the Staples Center before a public memorial for former Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna, in Los Angeles, Monday, Feb. 24, 2020. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
Fans carry posters of Kobe Bryant near the Staples Center before a public memorial for former Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna, in Los Angeles, Monday, Feb. 24, 2020. | Ringo H.W. Chiu, Associated Press
Fans walk to the Staples Center to attend a public memorial for former Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna, in Los Angeles, Monday, Feb. 24, 2020.
Fans walk to the Staples Center to attend a public memorial for former Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna, in Los Angeles, Monday, Feb. 24, 2020. | Ringo H.W. Chiu, Associated Press
Donnell Dorsey arranges Kobe Bryant memorabilia outside the Staples Center in Los Angeles, Monday, Feb. 24, 2020.
Donnell Dorsey arranges Kobe Bryant memorabilia outside the Staples Center in Los Angeles, Monday, Feb. 24, 2020. | Stefanie Dazio, Associated Press
Police officers are shown outside the Staples Center before a public memorial for former Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna, in Los Angeles, Monday, Feb. 24, 2020. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
Police officers are shown outside the Staples Center before a public memorial for former Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna, in Los Angeles, Monday, Feb. 24, 2020. | Ringo H.W. Chiu, Associated Press
Fans line up to get into the Staples Center to attend a public memorial for former Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna, in Los Angeles, Monday, Feb. 24, 2020. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
Fans line up to get into the Staples Center to attend a public memorial for former Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna, in Los Angeles, Monday, Feb. 24, 2020. | Ringo H.W. Chiu, Associated Press
Fans line up to get into the Staples Center to attend a public memorial for former Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna, in Los Angeles, Monday, Feb. 24, 2020. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)
Fans line up to get into the Staples Center to attend a public memorial for former Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna, in Los Angeles, Monday, Feb. 24, 2020. | Ringo H.W. Chiu, Associated Press
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