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Kobe Bryant memorial: The moments that moved us from the celebration of life inside Staples

A memorial service inside Staples Center on Monday celebrated the lives of Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna. The date — Feb. 24 — reflects the basketball jersey numbers worn by Kobe (No. 24) and Gianna (No. 2). The service was held just less than a month after Bryant, 13-year-old Gianna and seven others died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California, on Jan. 26.

More than 20,000 people — friends, family and those who acquired tickets through a lottery (80,000 applied) — crowded into the arena, with ticket proceeds benefiting the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation.

Vanessa Bryant, Michael Jordan, Shaquille O’Neal and Diana Taurasi were among those who spoke during the memorial, while Beyonce, Alicia Keys and Christina Aguilera performed.

Here is how Los Angeles, the Lakers and the NBA world honored Kobe and Gianna Bryant.

People closest to Kobe Bryant share the stories they’re looking back on ahead of Monday’s memorial. — Ramona Shelburne


The morning after LeBron James passed Kobe Bryant for third in all-time scoring, on the flight home from Philadelphia, the Lakers learned of Bryant’s death. — Dave McMenamin


Kobe had the skill and knowledge to be any kind of player he wanted to be. — Zach Lowe


From his first NBA media day to his phenomenal final game, we reveal the untold stories behind the most legendary images of the Black Mamba.

Latest news and reaction


Remembering Kobe

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5:21

Shelley Smith describes how impactful Kobe Bryant was for youth sports around the world and how his legacy continues to push kids to be excellent in whatever they do.

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1:47

Hip-hop artist and actor Ice Cube reveals that his favorite Kobe Bryant memory comes from seeing Kobe play in person for the first time.

From the archive: ESPN writers on Kobe

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