VIDEO: LeBron James Promises to Carry on Kobe Bryant's Legacy in Touching Tribute Ahead of Lakers Game

The Los Angeles Lakers had a handful of heartwarming tributes for Kobe Bryant on Friday night, and LeBron James was given the spotlight to deliver an emotional speech and address the crowd at Staples Center. James decided to go off-script and speak from the heart, and the result was simply incredible. LeBron lifted the spirits of Lakers fans across the nation with his touching words.

.@KingJames gives a heartfelt speech during the Lakers' pregame ceremony. pic.twitter.com/BsYO0NlxIP
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) February 1, 2020

"So in the words of Kobe Bryant, 'Mamba Out.' But in the words of us, 'Not forgotten.' Live on brother," said James as he closed out the emotional speech.

James was full of emotion while he spoke to the crowd for nearly five minutes on Friday night, starting his speech by reading off a list of names of those who lost their lives in Calabasas on Sunday. He went on to discuss the heartbreak not only he but the entire basketball world has felt in the aftermath of the tragedy.

He ended the speech by promising to carry on Bryant's legacy along with his teammates, for "as long we can play the game of basketball that we love, because that's what Kobe Bryant would want.'

The game then got underway, and as with many others this past week, each team started with a 24 and 8-second violation, respectively.

After an incredibly moving and emotional series of moments in the pregame package, the game has begun. The Lakers opened with a 24-second violation, followed by Portland taking an 8-second violation. The first bucket was AD’s dunk off LeBron’s assist following AD’s block.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) February 1, 2020

Everyone in Southern California is full of emotion, and LeBron's speech was incredibly moving during such a trying time.