LeBron James looked up to Kobe Bryant and when the basketball player passed away alongside his daughter Gianna and seven others in a helicopter crash, LeBron was devastated. Kobe Bryant meant a lot to millions of people around the world and his death is still surreal to many. Yesterday, Kobe and Gianna Bryant were given a public memorial at the Staples Center which was attended by thousands of people. Numerous speeches were given throughout the event, including from Vanessa Bryant who offered a beautiful eulogy of her husband and daughter.

Vanessa's speech has been lauded for its strength and the way in which it was able to move people. Today, LeBron James was asked about the event and what he thought about all of it. While he wouldn't confirm whether or not he attended, LeBron did admit that yesterday was very hard for him. He also made sure to praise Vanessa for her words.

Vanessa Bryant showcased a ton of strength yesterday when she got on stage at the Staples Center to eulogize her late husband and daughter, Kobe and Gianna Bryant. The public memorial saw thousands of people embark on the home of the Los Angeles Lakers. It was a beautiful event that featured numerous famous faces. Bryant's speech about her husband and daughter immediately went viral on social media as people marveled at her ability to speak so eloquently in a time of pain and sorrow.

On today's episode of ESPN's First Take, Stephen A. Smith spoke about Vanessa's speech and admitted that he was simply awestruck by what she did. Bryant eventually got a standing ovation and for good reason. It's hard to fathom what she has been through but clearly, she's handling it in the best way possible

Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna tragically passed away in a helicopter accident, alongside seven other people, on January 26th. The whole basketball community has been in a state of shock since their deaths and numerous tributes have poured in since. Yesterday, the city of Los Angeles got to pay respects to Kobe and Gigi as a public memorial was held at the Staples Center. Numerous people spoke at the event, including those who Kobe knew best. One of those people was none other than Rob Pelinka who was Kobe's agent for many years. Pelinka is now the general manager of the Los Angeles Lakers and up until Kobe's death, the two remained in touch.

During Pelinka's speech, he revealed that Kobe was texting him just moments prior to the helicopter accident. In true Kobe fashion, the Lakers legend was looking to help out a friend with an internship. Kobe wanted to know if Pelinka knew any baseball agents his friend could potentially intern with.

Kobe and Gianna Bryant tragically passed away on January 26th in a helicopter crash that claimed the lives of seven other people. The tragedy is still hard to make sense of as the families continue to mourn their lost loved ones. Today, the city of Los Angeles came together as a public memorial was held for Kobe and Gianna at the Staples Center. Numerous big names were at the event including Beyoncé, Shaq, Michael Jordan, Rob Pelinka, and many others. It was a beautiful celebration of two lives that were taken from us way too soon.

Today, LeBron James took to Instagram where he offered up a tribute of his own. In the post below, James shares the date, February 24th or 2/24. Of course, this date is significant because it combines Gianna and Kobe’s jersey numbers. LeBron also added a purple and yellow heart to signify the colors of the Los Angeles Lakers.

LeBron James has been a leader on the Lakers this season and has helped his teammates deal with the death of a mentor. Kobe loved the Lakers organization and the players loved him back. While it must be difficult to continue on with the season, the players have handled it with dignity and grace.

As we head towards the playoffs, it looks like the Lakers are setting themselves up for a deep run that will surely make Kobe proud.

Kobe Bryant was one of the most beloved basketball players of all-time. Unfortunately, he and his daughter Gianna tragically passed away in a helicopter crash on January 26th. Today, a memorial was held at the Staples Center where thousands came out to pay respects. The Staples Center was packed with friends, family, celebrities, and fans. It was a beautiful service that saw some tributes from Vanessa Bryant and many others.

To start off the event, Beyoncé got on stage to deliver gorgeous renditions of "XO" and "Halo." Beyoncé's performance was very powerful and resonated with every single person in that building. Many throughout the crowd were moved to tears as they began thinking about the legacy Kobe and Gianna have left us with.

Kobe and Gianna Bryant's tragic passing continues to sadden and shock many around the world. Kobe was one of the greatest basketball players this world has ever seen and was looked up to by many. His daughter was a rising star in basketball and seemed to be well on her way to the WNBA. Kobe, Gianna, and the seven others on the helicopter lost their lives way too soon and it's still hard to get over, a month later. Today, a public memorial was held for Kobe and Gianna, at the Staples Center. 

During the event, Vanessa Bryant got on stage and delivered a eulogy centered around Gianna and her relationship with her father, Kobe. The speech lasted close to 10 minutes and was beautiful from start to finish. Bryant received a standing ovation and was even helped off stage by none other than Michael Jordan. Bryant told touching jokes and anecdotes that resonated with the Staples Center crowd.