VIDEO: Lakers Players Wear No. 8 and 24 Jerseys During Warmups in Tribute to Kobe Bryant
By Karl Rasmussen
The Los Angeles Lakers are taking the court at Staples Center on Friday night for the team's first game since the devastating loss of franchise legend Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna. In a touching tribute to the Mamba, Lakers players took to the hardwood for warmups wearing No. 8 and 24 Bryant jerseys.
Lakers are wearing No. 8 and No. 24 jerseys during warmups ??
— The Crossover (@TheCrossover) February 1, 2020
(via @espn) pic.twitter.com/ZO3lxuKAeD
The team jogged out in unison, greeted by a heartwarming and electric ovation from the Laker faithful, all rocking the digits formerly worn by Kobe.
The Lakers weren't the first team to honor Bryant in this fashion, but the tribute from his former team certainly stands out and resonates the most.
Together. pic.twitter.com/N5JjsOHf0v
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) February 1, 2020
LeBron James took the floor wearing the No. 24 jersey while Anthony Davis rocked the No. 8 uniform, both looking emotional while warming up on the floor.
Friday night's clash will be played with a heavy heart, but the team will trudge on in and showcase their own Mamba Mentality in his honor.