Flowers, Lakers Hat, Basketball Placed Next To Jazz Statue In Honor of Kobe Bryant
Jan 26, 2020, 6:49 PM | Updated: Jan 27, 2020, 1:15 am
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Flowers, a Los Angeles Lakers hat, a basketball, and a note were placed next to the J-Note statue outside of Vivint Smart Home Arena in honor of Kobe Bryant.
Bryant passed away in a helicopter crash in California on the morning of Sunday, January 26.
A few hundred feet outside of the arena where the Utah Jazz play, items were placed in honor of the basketball legend and his daughter, Gianna “Gigi” who passed away on Sunday morning.
The Jazz organization issued a statement on Sunday afternoon after Bryant’s passing.
“We are shocked and saddened to learn about today’s tragedy involving Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna,” the Jazz wrote.
The basketball placed outside the arena had “Dear Kobe and Gigi” written on it.
Memorial growing at Vivint Arena for Kobe Bryant and his daughter. #ksl #ksltv pic.twitter.com/V53aP78CW9
— Tania Mashburn (@taniadeanksl) January 27, 2020
The note next left next to the statue said: “Utah Jazz will so miss you, Kobe!”
“This transcends rivalry… You gotta respect a great competitor.” Fans leave flowers at a makeshift memorial for #basketball legend #KobeBryant… outside #Utah #JazzHome @vivintarena @KSL5TV pic.twitter.com/KT5bP2a9Qe
— Garna Mejia KSL (@GarnaMejiaKSL) January 27, 2020
Droves of people gathered outside of Staples Center, the home of the Lakers, in Los Angeles on Sunday afternoon.
Heartbreak at the Staples Center as fans gather to remember one of the greatest athletes of all time. Rest In Peace Kobe Bryant. #RIPMamba #Kobe pic.twitter.com/QYgro4NQ4S
— Gadi Schwartz (@GadiNBC) January 26, 2020
Fans brought flowers, jerseys, and other items to honor Bryant and his daughter.
Bought flowers to bring to staples center. When the florist saw that I wanted purple and yellow she asked, “for Kobe?” I nodded. When she finished I asked what I owed her. she shook her head, handed me the flowers and said “it’s LA”. I almost cried. LAs love for Kobe is powerful
— Zach Schwartz (@zachzachzach) January 26, 2020
Bryant was 41 years old. His daughter was 13.
