VIDEO: Laker Fans Are Already Lining up Outside Staples Center Hours Before Tip-off
By Jack Murphy
The Los Angeles Lakers return to action against the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night for the first game at the Staples Center since the tragic death of Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna. Well, in a show of tremendous dedication, fans were eagerly lining up many hours before the game was set to tip off, forming a sea of purple and gold outside of the stadium.
Kobe Bryant fans as far as the eye can see outside Staples Center three hours before Lakers tip off pic.twitter.com/KDCboT3ZIg
— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) February 1, 2020
There was no question that the Staples Center was going to be a packed house for the first game hosted there since the death of the Lakers' legend, and fans showed their admiration for the Mamba by arriving well ahead of schedule.
Many of the fans in the video are shown signing large posters with the text, "In Loving Memory of Kobe Bryant." They are also paying their respects by visiting the memorial that is outside the arena.
When fans report to their seats prior to tip-off, they will be greeted by shirts that showcase the No. 8 and 24 that Kobe Bryant made legendary.
Staples Center is ready to honor Kobe Bryant -- half of the arena will get No. 8 shirts and the other half No. 24.
— ESPN (@espn) January 31, 2020
Tonight at 10 pm ET, ESPN will air the Lakers' tribute to Bryant followed by their game vs. the Blazers. pic.twitter.com/BzGghbFTXs
It is easy to see how much Kobe Bryant meant to the city of Los Angeles simply by watching this video. All the faces in the crowd are filled with sadness as they are still mourning over the player they loved to watch the past 20 years.