The Los Angeles Lakers were supposed to take on the Los Angeles Clippers on Tuesday, but with the city of L.A. mourning Kobe Bryant’s tragic death, the NBA has decided to postpone the matchup at STAPLES Center.
The date of rescheduling will be for a later date that has not yet been determined.
In the wake of Bryant’s passing, the Clippers had no problems honoring the Lakers organization’s wishes to move the date, considering how much Kobe meant to the organization, fans and players.
Coach Doc Rivers was visibly in tears when asked about his thoughts in the immediate aftermath of the news breaking online and being confirmed.
The team learned of Kobe’s passing on a plane ride back from Philadelphia, when Frank Vogel was informed. He then told the players and several could be seen very upset as the team landed. LeBron James was in tears upon landing.
All over the world, fans, players, coaches and people alike have been mourning and paying their respects to Bryant, as he made a huge impact on everyone’s lives.
Kobe was extremely close to owner Jeanie Buss and new GM Rob Pelinka, who served as an agent to him for a very long time. Active players like Dwight Howard, Anthony Davis, assistant coach Jason Kidd and Kyle Kuzma (as well as past Laker greats) all had relationships with Bryant, who would often mentor and provide guidance when necessary.
RIP Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gigi.
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) January 27, 2020
Kobe Bryant will be a first-ballot enshrinement into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame class of 2020.
"Expected to be arguably the most epic class ever with Kobe, Tim Duncan and Kevin Garnett," HOF chairman Jerry Colangelo says. "Kobe will be honored the way he should be."
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 27, 2020