Lakers to honor Kobe with ‘KB’ logo
During the five long and painful days since learning of Kobe Bryant’s death, the Los Angeles Lakers have had to confront a difficult question in the midst of their mourning:
How would they honor him in a way that pays proper respect to the legend’s impact on the franchise, the city and the game of basketball as a whole?
Friday afternoon, hours before the Lakers play their first game since Bryant’s death — against the Portland Trail Blazers — the answers began to be revealed.
The Lakers posted a photo on Twitter of a black circle with the letters “KB” inside of it displayed on the baseline at Staples Center, captioned “The House That Kobe Built.” The Lakers’ home gold uniforms will also feature a patch with the black “KB” logo.
Every fan who entered the building Friday night received a gold Bryant jersey T-shirt. One side of the arena will wear No. 8; the other will wear No. 24.
Lakers coach Frank Vogel said earlier Friday that he and his assistant coaches will wear Bryant’s signature Nike sneakers.
LeBron James paid tribute to Bryant with a couple of images posted to his Instagram account. The second image shows his new tattoo honoring Kobe.
All-Star Game numbers: The NBA’s All-Stars will play this year with Kobe and Gianna Bryant in their minds and on their jerseys. So, coming soon: No. 24
Giannis Antetokounmpo, and No. 2, LeBron James.
Every player on Team Giannis will wear 24 on their jerseys and every player on Team LeBron will wear 2.
Kobe Bryant spent the last 10 seasons of his career in a No. 24 jersey. Gianna Bryant, an outstanding young player, wore No. 2.
All players taking part in All-Star weekend will wear a patch with nine stars to commemorate the nine victims of last Sunday’s helicopter crash in Calabasas, California.
Rising Stars roster:
All-Star starters Luka Doncic of Dallas and Trae Young of Atlanta headlined the list of players to participate in the Rising Stars game in Chicago. Also on the list: likely rookie of the year frontrunner Ja Morant
of Memphis, and No. 1 overall draft pick Zion Williamson of New Orleans.
Other players on the teams include Nickeil Alexander-Walker of New Orleans, Deandre Ayton of Phoenix, RJ Barrett of New York, Brandon Clarke of Memphis, Shai GilgeousAlexander of Oklahoma City, Rui Hachimura and
Moritz Wagner of Washington, Svi Mykhailiuk of Detroit and Josh Okogie of Minnesota, Miles Bridges, PJ Washington and Devonte’ Graham of Charlotte, Wendell Carter Jr. of Chicago, Jaren Jackson Jr. of Memphis and Eric Paschall of Golden State.
FRIDAY’S GAMES
Nets 133, Bulls 118: Kyrie Irving scored a season-high 54 points, making all 10 shots in the first half and 19 of 23 for the game, to lead host Brooklyn victory over Chicago.
Raptors 105, Pistons 92: Pascal Siakam scored 30 points and Serge Ibaka added 21 to lift Toronto over host Detroit for its 10th straight victory.
Rockets 128, Mavericks 121: James Harden scored 35 points, Russell Westbrook added 32 and host Houston built a big lead and held on to beat Dallas.