A public memorial to celebrate the life of Kobe and Gianna Bryant, along with the seven victims who died in the tragic helicopter crash, was held on Monday February 24th, 2020 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA. A number of current and former NBA legends and celebrities attended the memorial service to celebrate the life of the nine lives lost.
What We Know:
- Among the speakers to take the stage at Staples Center were Michael Jordan, Shaquille O’Neal, Rob Pelinka, current Lakers general manager, and Kobe’s former agent. However, the most powerful speech of the day undoubtedly came from Kobe’s wife Vanessa, as she took the stage to honor the life of her daughter and her husband.
- Along with all the heart felt speeches from the closest people to his life, those in attendance and those watching on television were treated to musical performances from the likes of Beyonce, Alicia Keys, and Christina Aguilera.
- Apart from music, there were a number of video tributes ranging from Kobe Bryant’s Academy award-winning short film Dear Basketball as well as his speech from his jersey retirement ceremony.
- When the memorial was announced by Vanessa Bryant via Instagram, the date itself might have flown over some peoples head (2/24/20). The date was symbolic as they were the jersey numbers worn by Kobe (No. 24), and his daughter Gianna (No. 2), along with the number of seasons (20) Kobe played in the NBA for the Lakers.
- A limited amount of tickets were made available for the general public for the memorial and all proceeds went to the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation.
Monday’s service served as more of a celebration than a funeral. A private burial service was reportedly held for Kobe and Gianna near the family’s Newport Coast home nearly two weeks ago at the Pacific View Memorial Park in Corona del Mar.
