Entourage Actor Jeremy Piven says the show nearly included a cameo from Laker-legend Kobe Bryant.

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Piven described the scene during an appearance on Cameo Cares, a fundraising initiative hosted by the company Cameo. The funds from the event benefitted coronavirus-relief charities. 

“One cameo that was never seen was Kobe Bryant. God rest his soul,” Piven said. “As you guys know, we filmed a lot at Staples (Center). We were there and I saw Kobe warming up so I went over to him and he’s always so present and gracious. The camera came over, Kobe was just warming up, taking threes, and I just went into character and told him that I want to represent him, that I think he’s incredibly charismatic, and that he can do really great work and be really prolific in the film world. And he was just taking threes, just saying like, ‘Nah, man. I don’t have what Denzel has. I just don’t have it. It’s just not in me.’

“And as he’s talking, he’s so charismatic and fascinating and sinking threes without missing during the entire conversation. What’s so funny is people don’t realize that’s what acting is. You have an action, or an interrupted action, and his action was sinking threes and just speaking to me. And just speaking to me as himself, he was so charismatic. It was fascinating.”

Piven went on to say that the show did not end up using the footage, but regardless, Bryant’s appearance was his favorite cameo on the show.

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After a lengthy battle, the CEO of the Los Angeles Clippers has announced that he’s finally bought The Forum in Los Angeles. According to CNBC, Ballmer has come to an agreement with Madison Square Garden Company, through CAPSS LLC., to purchase the complex for a cool $400M cash. This also settles Ballmer’s legal spat with MSG, a company led by Knicks owner James Dolan, who attempted to block Ballmer from opening a new arena for the Clippers near The Forum.

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“This is an unprecedented time, but we believe in our collective future,” said Ballmer. “We are committed to our investment in the City of Inglewood, which will be good for the community, the Clippers, and our fans.”

The venue will still act as a live-music venue in the area with the current employees having offers of employment by Ballmer and CAPSS LLC. However, the Clippers will be moving away from their home at the Staples Center that they’ve shared with the Lakers since 1999. The head developer of the forthcoming Clippers arena, Chris Meany of Wilson Meany, did acknowledge the possible headaches it will cause residents in the area but he said that they’ll be putting forth a concerted effort to reduce traffic congestion around basketball games and concerts.

“We know traffic is something that many Inglewood residents worry about. While we have gone to great lengths to provide an unprecedented traffic-management plan for the new basketball arena, this acquisition provides a much greater ability to coordinate and avoid scheduling events at the same time at both venues,” he said.

He’s continuing to walk his path of recovery, but there was a time in Lamar Odom’s life when he was spiraling out of control. Six years ago, Odom was at the height of his alcohol, drug, and sex addiction, so the former Los Angeles Lakers star decided to pawn his two NBA championship rings. They went up for auction back in December 2019, but it’s obviously something that Odom deeply regrets.

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TMZ caught up with the retired baller as he was out and about at the Staples Center in Downtown Los Angeles with his fiancé Sabrina Parr. Of course, the TMZ cameraman asked Lamar about his thoughts regarding his friend and former teammate Kobe Bryant’s tragic death. “I miss my guy,” Odom said. “Real talk. I’ll miss him just for his advice. First advice I would ask him for [would be] how do I get these fans to forgive me for pawning those rings?”

He added that he would also miss Kobe’s “brotherhood and leadership… My condolences to his kids and his wife, as well.” Odom called himself and Kobe the “perfect lockerroom combination as far as personalities are concerned. Me, him, and Derek Fisher kinda led the lockerroom.” Check out Lamar Odom’s clip with TMZ in full below.

Out of respect for Vanessa Bryant and her family, Beyoncé respectfully changed the lyrics to “one of Kobe’s favorite songs” during the memorial that was held Monday in honor of the late Laker great and his young daughter, Gianna.

Beyonce opened the memorial with a epic performance of a couple of Kobe’s favorite songs, “Halo” & “XO,” the latter of which saw Queen Bey changing up some lyrics out of respect. Swapping the line “and I’m crashing into you” with “and I’m laughing into you” and changing “you kill me boy XO” to “just kiss me boy XO,” Beyoncé respectfully swapped out the inappropriate & ill-timed lyrics and delivered another classic performance backed by an orchestra and chorus. It’s pretty obvious as for why she chose to change the lyrics too with trigger words like “crashing” & “kill me,” but it’s just another example of Bey being the GOAT.

Kevork Djansezian/ Getty Images (Kobe’s Memorial)

“I’m here because I love Kobe and this was one of his favorite songs, so I want to start that over, but I want us to do it all together and I want you to sing it so loud they hear your love,” Beyonce said before performing her records. After transitioning into a powerful rendition of “Halo,” the superstar finished with the added line, “He will be your, she will be your halo,” a reference to Kobe and Gianna.

Check out the performance (below) and sound off in the comments. RIP Kobe & Gigi.

Kobe and Gianna Bryant tragically past away on January 26th in a helicopter accident in California. The crash claimed the lives of seven other people and the entire world is still in shock about it. Even now, it still feels odd to say Kobe is no longer with us. Tributes have been rolling in over the last month and yesterday, it felt like the whole city of Los Angeles was at the Staples Center to say one final goodbye to Kobe and Gianna. There were a plethora of celebrities at the event, including Snoop Dogg who took to Instagram afterward and wrote a thoughtful message for Kobe’s parents.

“Sending love and. Prayers to momma. And Pappa Bean Bryant,” Snoop wrote. “Thank u for giving us. Kobe we love y’all and praying for your strength as parents to keep moving on from the. Broadus family.”

Snoop Dogg is a huge fan of the Los Angeles Lakers and Kobe’s death has certainly been hard for him to process. In that sense, Snoop is like millions of other basketball fans who looked up to Kobe as he made his way through the league, eventually winning five championships. While it’s sad that Kobe and Gianna are no longer here, yesterday was a true celebration of their lives. It may have been hard to swallow, but the entire event was beautiful as thousands came together for one cause.

It was a celebratory, yet somber day in Los Angeles and throughout the world for those who tuned in to watch Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna’s Celebration of Life ceremony. Tens of thousands of people descended onto the Staples Center in Downtown L.A. to attend the memorial service and watched as Kobe’s friends and loved ones shared memories of the fallen basketball star.

Vanessa Bryant delivered a moving eulogy for her husband and daughter. Over the past weeks, she has openly shared her grief over her loss and thankfulness for those offering kind words since Kobe and Gianna’s passing. Following her speech at the Celebration of Life, two of her friends shared the same photo of Vanessa on Instagram with messages of admiration and support for the widow.

“My MVP?❤️ @vanessabryant I tell you everyday you are the strongest woman I know,” Lala wrote. “The strength I watched you show today is unmatched❤️Your words today were so beautiful. The epitome of love and grace. You are an amazing friend, mother, & wife. I got your back today, tomorrow, & forever. LOVE YOU V..❤️ #mambaandmambacitaforever ?”

Over on Ciara‘s page, the pregnant mom expressed her respect for Vanessa, as well. “You are the true definition of a Woman. I admire your strength, grace, and resilience,” Ciara penned. “Truly so proud of you. I know God is proud. Kobe and Gi Gi are smiling down on you. We love you and the girls @VanessaBryant❤️?? Heaven is Rejoicing Today #2 #24.” Check out their posts below.

Today’s date contains the jersey numbers of Gianna Bryant (2) and Kobe Bryant (24) so it was only right to hold a public memorial for them on this day. Taking place at the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, a building that Kobe Bryant made famous, the legend and his daughter were remembered by the world. If you weren’t able to snatch a ticket to the event, it was live-streamed for free on TIDAL. A who’s who of people in Kobe’s life, as well as men and women who idolized him from afar, took their seats in the arena before Vanessa Bryant, Michael Jordan, Jimmy Kimmel, and others addressed the crowd.

Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images — Jimmy Kimmel speaks during The Celebration of Life for Kobe & Gianna Bryant

In the audience, famous faces could be spotted everywhere. A bunch of Kobe’s former teammates, including Steve Nash, Dwight Howard, Lamar Odom, Metta World Peace, and others were seen in the audience. His former coaches and agents, including Rob Pelinka, Byron Scott, and Phil Jackson were also there. Alicia Keys, Christina Aguilera, and Beyoncé took the stage to sing, while A-listers Kanye West, Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez, Snoop Dogg, Queen Latifah, Jay-Z, and more watched on. 

The touching ceremony was bittersweet to watch. It included speeches from MJ, a heartbreaking eulogy from Vanessa Bryant to her daughter Gigi, and more.

Mamba out, but never forgotten.

Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images — Vanessa Bryant speaks during The Celebration of Life for Kobe & Gianna Bryant

Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images — Michael Jordan speaks during The Celebration of Life for Kobe & Gianna Bryant

Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images — Snoop Dogg attends The Celebration of Life for Kobe & Gianna Bryant

Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images — Alicia Keys performs during The Celebration of Life for Kobe & Gianna Bryant

Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images — Jay-Z departs after The Celebration of Life for Kobe & Gianna Bryant

Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images — Shaquille O’Neal speaks during The Celebration of Life for Kobe & Gianna Bryant

Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images — Alex Rodriguez and Jennifer Lopez depart after The Celebration of Life for Kobe & Gianna Bryant

Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images — Christina Aguilera performs during The Celebration of Life for Kobe & Gianna Bryant

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.

The Los Angeles Lakers will be holding 'A Celebration of Life for Kobe and Gianna Bryant' today, February 24th (2/24), as a nod to the numbers worn by both Gigi and Kobe. Those in attendance at Staples Center will receive a special edition t-shirt and program, both featuring memorable photos taken of the Laker legend and his daughter.

In 10 days, the public memorial service for Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna will take place at the Staples Center in Downtown Los Angeles. As the date approaches, more details are being revealed about the massive event that will undoubtedly put L.A. on pause. Last week, grieving mother and wife Vanessa Bryant shared with the world that all were invited to honor her late daughter and husband. Now, TMZ reports that they have more details about the sorrowful event.

The outlet states that the Bryant family is still in the midst of organizing the list of speakers who will take to the stage to pay tribute to the basketball legend and his 13-year-old daughter. “Tickets will be available to the general public, although there will be a number of invited guests who get tickets first, including family, friends, players, NBA officials and, we’re told, season ticket holders,” TMZ reports.

Tickets will also reportedly be sold, not given away for free, and that the price will be a number that “reflects the memories of Kobe and Gigi.” The net proceeds will be donated to charity, but a non-profit has yet to be disclosed. There will also be careful attention paid to how tickets are created and distributed to curtail scalpers. 

The event will bring out tens of thousands of fans and mourners, so it’s reported that law enforcement will close the downtown streets surrounding the Staples Center that day. There is a plan for the service to be televised, so police are asking people to stay home and watch from the comforts of their living rooms.