- They and seven others died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California on Sunday.
- The Lakers played their first game sine Bryant's death on Friday at the Staples Center, against the Portland Trailblazers.
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NBA legend Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna were remembered with tributes in the first LA Lakers game since their deaths.
kobe bryant gianna bryant courtside empty seats lakers game
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NBA legend Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna were remembered with a series of tributes at the first Lakers game on Friday since their tragic death, including leaving them empty seats covered with roses.
Bryant, Gianna, and seven other passengers were killed in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California on Sunday.
All NBA games were cancelled the day of the crash after the sudden news. The Los Angeles Lakers played their first game on Friday since Bryant's death against the Portland Trailblazers.
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From their memorial courtside seats to 24-second and 8-second violations to honor the NBA icon's retired numbers, here are the ways their legacy was honored at the game:
20,000 shirts with Bryants jersey number were laid out on the seats of the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
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Jayne Kamin-Oncea/USA TODAY Sports/Reuters
Bryants retired jersey numbers 8 and 24 were up in lights for the game.
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Jayne Kamin-Oncea/USA TODAY Sports/Reuters
The Lakers wore purple warm-ups with Bryants jersey.
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Players don't usually wear warmups onto the court, but made an exception for this game.
Usher sang an emotion-laden rendition of "Amazing Grace" to start off the game.
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A tribute video was played to honor Bryants legacy.
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Boyz II Men performed the National Anthem.
LeBron James gave a heartfelt eulogy to his "brother" Kobe Bryant.
All five starters, still wearing their Bryant-inspired warmups, were announced as "6-6 out of Lower Merion High School...Kobe Bryant."
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The Lakers took a 24-second violation and the Blazers took an 8-second violation to honor Bryants two jersey numbers at the start of the game.
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