The Lakers will play their first game since the tragic death of Kobe Bryant at the Staples Center tonight (Fri).
The arena, often referred to as “The House That Kobe Built,” has a special way of honoring the late NBA legend.
Each seat in the Los Angeles stadium was covered with either a No. 8 or No. 24 Bryant jersey – the two numbers he wore during his two decades with the franchise – ahead of the team’s matchup with the Portland Trail Blazers.
The Staples Center has been honoring the late Bryant, who died in a tragic helicopter crash with his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven other people, throughout the week.
There’s been several collections of flowers and candles to honor Bryant outside of the stadium.