January 26, 2020 will go down in history as a dark day that rocked Laker Nation, the NBA, and the entire world of sports and entertainment. After one week, it is still impossible to wrap our heads around the tragic, unspeakable death of our beloved Kobe Bryant, daughter Gianna Bryant and the seven other victims: John, Keri, and Alyssa Altobelli, Payton and Sarah Chester, Christina Mauser, and Ara Zobayan in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, CA. Tributes poured around the NBA and all over the world. Teams took 24 second or 8 second backcourt violations on their first possessions of the game in honor of the numbers that Kobe proudly donned in the Purple and Gold for his entire 20-year career.
Without question, the tragic death of the late, great Kobe Bryant left a big hole in the heart of the Laker organization. What was supposed to be a celebration of LeBron James passing Kobe on the NBA's all-time scoring list was greatly overshadowed by grief, mourning, and a remembrance of the latter's life and passion of the game he truly loved. As difficult as it sounds, the Lakers must gather the strength to continue moving the game forward as he so desires in his final words upon the hour of death. The best way to honor Kobe? Play ball, lock in for the rest of the season, and win a title for him.
01/31: vs. Portland 127-119 [L] (36-11)
Full Kobe Bryant Tribute
Staples Center blacked out to pay tribute to the late, great Kobe Bryant. It was a memorial within a basketball game. Usher took the arena to church with a soulful rendition of "Amazing Grace" followed by a montage of tributes around the world for Kobe and his daughter Gianna. Professional cello player, Ben Hong followed with "Hallelujah" accompanying a video reel of Kobe's NBA career and sound bites of his word of wisdom on how he approaches the game of basketball and the game of life. Chants of "Kobe" and "Gigi" echoed around Staples Center. Boyz II Men followed with the national anthem. LeBron spoke from the heart saying that Kobe may be gone, but he'll never be forgotten.
This is a game where we would like the Lakers to win. But if they lose, we wouldn't be mad. This is bigger than basketball. Playing with heavy hearts takes a toll on the mental aspect of the game. And it showed this game. The Lakers started off slow as expected coming from a long road trip and a few days off since Tuesday's scheduled matchup against the Clippers was postponed out of respect for the organization in mourning. The Lakers ran into a Portland team with a couple of games under their belt during this week powered by a scorching hot Damian Lillard. Dame put on a show that would have Kobe smile from the heavens above with a 48-point eruption. Honestly, the Lakers tried this game. They at one point had the lead. But, Dame Time was just too much. Better offense takes down good defense any day of the week.
02/01: @ Sacramento 129-113 [W] (37-11)
In the NBA, the five stages of grief moves faster than normal. With the emotions of Friday night out of the way, it was time to get back to business the next day. There was no better way to honor Kobe by putting up 81 points in the first half against the hapless Sacramento Queens on the road. We saw some surprise performances. Avery Bradley put up his best scoring output of the season, pouring on 19 points and raining 5-9 shots from downtown. Most of his shots were set up by LeBron gravitating the Kings' defense towards him and Bradley was open all game. KCP, Alex Caruso, and Danny Green joined in on the 3-point barrage as they all drilled three 3-pointers each. This was a great all-around team win and it gives a sense of renewed focus. The three point game clicked and the Lakers played at a faster pace. This also helps other players outside of LeBron and AD to get involved in the flow of the game. It's needed if the team is serious in making a deep playoff run.
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