The Los Angeles Lakers are set to play a game for the first time since Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna, and seven others died in a helicopter accident on Sunday. The Lakers’ scheduled game against the Clippers on Tuesday night was postponed in the aftermath of the tragedy.
The Lakers will hold a pregame ceremony for Bryant before tipoff against the Portland Trail Blazers (10 p.m. ET on ESPN), and will continue to honor him throughout the game. We’ll have live updates throughout the day and night from both inside Staples Center and the scene around the building as the basketball world mourns the Lakers legend.
Ramona Shelburne: How the Lakers made it to this game
Remembering Kobe: Tonight on ESPN
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3 p.m. ET: The Jump (live from Staples Center)
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5 p.m. ET: SportsCenter (coverage from Staples Center)
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7 p.m. ET: NBA Countdown (live from Staples Center)
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7:30 p.m. ET: Mavericks at Rockets
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10 p.m. ET: Trail Blazers at Lakers (Pregame ceremony from Staples Center)
MORE: Kobe Bryant remembrances and reaction
Kobe Bryant on every seat at Staples
When fans arrive at Staples Center later tonight, they’ll find these shirts on their seats.
Lakers on-foot Kobe tributes
Frank Vogel says the Lakers coaching staff will all wear Kobe Bryant’s signature sneakers on the bench tonight.
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) January 31, 2020
LeBron James wore an unreleased pair of Kobe’s signature Nike sneakers to shootaround Friday. They’re called the “Big Stage/Parades” and are inspired by the Kobe 5s that Bryant wore in the 2010 Finals and subsequent championship parade. (h/t @NickDePaula) pic.twitter.com/weqYzaa3o4
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) January 31, 2020
Carmelo to sit out Friday night
Carmelo Anthony played in Portland’s game Wednesday night, but will sit out Friday’s game against the Lakers.
Trail Blazers forward Carmelo Anthony will not play against the Lakers tonight for personal reasons, the team announced. pic.twitter.com/7d2zsiKEwY
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 31, 2020