As we continue to mourn the loss of Kobe Bryant and the eight others following Sunday’s tragic helicopter crash, the Los Angeles Lakers are united in grief.
On Tuesday, the scheduled game between Bryant’s former team where he played his entire career and the Los Angeles Clippers was postponed out of respect, though the players still got together in honor of #24.
Related: Vanessa Bryant Issues Statement Following Passing Of Kobe & Gigi Bryant
Per an E! News source, the team met up that afternoon for “light shooting, followed by a team lunch at the Lakers training center” in El Segundo, California.
A second insider explained things became “very emotional” when the men and team executives “shared stories and mourned Kobe.” The confidant added it was “right” for the NBA to postpone their game and explained:
“It was a good way for everyone to cope with the tragedy. It was very emotional for many players to talk about it.”
As you may recall, the NBA announced:
“The decision was made out of respect for the Lakers organization, which is deeply grieving the tragic loss of Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna and seven other people in a helicopter crash on Sunday.”
Most definitely the right call. In a later statement, the team added:
“The Los Angeles Lakers would like to thank all of you for the tremendous outpouring of support and condolences. This is a very difficult time for all of us. We continue to support the Bryant family and will share more information as it is available.”
For those who didn’t know, heartbreaking footage of the team touching down on Sunday in El Lay after their away game in Philadelphia had surfaced following the tragic crash. And as it turns out, the members had been made aware of his passing on the organization’s airplane. LeBron James, who had just surpassed Kobe in third place on the career scoring list during Saturday’s game, was seen visibly overcome by emotion.
Along with several images of #23 and #24, James wrote in part on Monday:
“I’m Not Ready but here I go. Man I sitting here trying to write something for this post but every time I try I begin crying again just thinking about you, niece Gigi and the friendship/bond/brotherhood we had! I literally just heard your voice Sunday morning before I left Philly to head back to LA. Didn’t think for one bit in a million years that would be the last conversation we’d have.“
Many others understandably held off for some time before sharing a tribute to social media.
Our hearts go out to the entire Lakers organization and the families of all those affected by this tragedy.
[Image via Mike Fuentes/WENN.]
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