LOS ANGELES — Only Kobe Bryant could inspire notoriously late-arriving Los Angeles crowds to show up early to a game.
Grieving fans packed almost every Staples Center seat 30 minutes before tipoff Friday night to ensure they didn’t miss a second of the Lakers’ heartfelt pregame tribute to their fallen icon.
The homage to Bryant began with the arena lights dimming as familiar chants of “Kobe” and “M-V-P” rained down from the rafters. A spotlight then revealed Usher at mid-court and the R&B icon sang an emotional rendition of “Amazing Grace.”
A video montage of Kobe’s life then aired on the scoreboard with the former Lakers star himself providing narration via interviews culled from throughout his life.