Fighting Back Tears, Fans Continue to Flock to Kobe Bryant Memorial in Los Angeles
People took off from work and school Monday to pay their respects to a man with whom many felt a kinship
By John Rogers ••
NBCUniversal, Inc.
Fans of Kobe Bryant spoke to KNBC about their feelings following the reports of his death. Hear what some of them had to say as they gathered near the spot where Bryant’s helicopter crashed on Sunday morning.
Fans call it The House that Kobe Built, and since Kobe Bryant's shocking death in a helicopter crash mourners by the thousands have gathered outside the glistening steel-and-glass edifice where the Los Angeles Lakers legend made so much basketball history.
The arrivals at downtown Staples Center began soon after word spread that Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, were among nine people killed in Sunday's crash. They continued unabated Monday as people took off from school or work to pay respects to a man with whom many felt a kinship.
“The memories that he gave us as a family were great memories,” said Lawrence Perez or North Hollywood, who arrived with his wife, Maureen, and 15-year-old daughter, Desiree. “We could have been at home, but we wanted to be with other people who are kind of going through the same thing."
Landmarks across the country lit up purple and gold, the colors of the Los Angeles Lakers, to remember Kobe Bryant. A helicopter crash killed Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven others on Sunday.
The Lakers had a game scheduled Tuesday night against the LA Clippers at Staples Center but the NBA postponed it “out of respect" for the Lakers. The next Lakers home game is Friday night against Portland.
The Staples Center, home to the Lakers and Clippers, opened for the 1999-2000 season, just as a 21-year-old Bryant was blossoming. That season the team would win the first of five championships over the next 10 years.
Although the mood there Monday was often somber as people hugged and wiped away tears, many couldn't help but grin at times as they recalled joyful moments Bryant brought to their lives.
"The greatest moment was when I got his autograph his rookie year,” Perez said, recalling how he told the teenage Bryant he was destined for greatness. Bryant smiled, shook his hand and said he hoped he'd just break into the team's starting lineup sometime soon.
Kobe Bryant died in a helicopter crash on Sunday. The Los Angeles Lakers star played 20 years in the NBA, inspiring athletes everywhere.
Perez had planned to bring that ball to Bryant's Hall of Fame induction, expected later this year, and ask him to sign it again.
“But that's not going to happen now," he said softly as his wife hugged him and said, “He cried when he heard the news."
As people arrived at the arena they were greeted by a gigantic display of flowers, balloons, votive candles (some with Bryant's photo on them), hats, jerseys, statuettes of angels and photos and paintings of Bryant and his daughter circling the entire area. Some showed father and daughter with angel's wings. Others contained personal messages written in English, Spanish and Chinese, showing the international impact Bryant's career had.
“I left my shoe for him,” said Louie Guerrero of Los Angeles, who arrived at the memorial pushing a stroller with his 2-year-old daughter, Lexie, decked out in her own little Lakers uniform. He spontaneously decided to add one of his official Lakers basketball shoes to the memorial after scribbling on it, “We Love You, Kobe."
He walked away with only a sock on his left foot.
Nearby, Michelle Rodriguez of Los Angeles wiped away a tear as she gazed at photos of Bryant with his daughter and his teammates. The 30-year-old emergency room nurse had arrived with her 12-year-old bulldog, Canelle, after working an overnight shift. Both were wearing Lakers jerseys.
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A large mural tribute for basketball legend Kobe Bryant and his daughter as seen painted over the Tenement basketball court by the Tenement Visual Artists, in Taguig, Philippines, Jan. 30, 2020.
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A man walks past a mural honoring Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, who died in a helicopter crash along with seven others. The mural was painted by artist Artoon.
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A mural painted by Australian street artist Lush Sux is seen on Budd Street, Collingwood, Jan. 30, 2020, in Melbourne, Australia.
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A giant mural painted in Kobe Bryant’s likeness by street artist Jorit Agoch stands in the Montedonzelli district of Naples, Italy, on Jan. 30, 2020.
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Anaheim Ducks fans, Ducks players and the Arizona Coyotes pay tribute to NBA Hall of Fame player from the Los Angeles Lakers Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna and the seven others lost in a helicopter accident on January 26 before a game played on Jan. 29, 2020, at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California.
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Kurtis MacDermid (56) of the Los Angeles Kings wears a sticker on his helmet honoring Kobe Bryant and Gigi, before the game against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Staples Center on Jan. 29, 2020, in Los Angeles, California.
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Candles spell out “KOBE” at a vigil held at UNLV as a tribute to nine victims killed in a helicopter crash in Southern California, including Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna Bryant, on Jan. 29, 2019, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
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Attendees release 24 purple and yellow balloons during a vigil held at UNLV as a tribute to nine victims killed in a helicopter crash in Southern California, including Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna Bryant, on Jan. 29, 2019, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Kobe Bryant played in preseason NBA games at UNLV, as well as having practiced with the USA Basketball Men’s National Team in Las Vegas ahead of the 2008 and 2012 Olympics.
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Phoenix Suns forward Kelly Oubre Jr. (3) looks down during a 24 second shot clock violation in honor of Kobe Bryant during an NBA basketball game between the Phoenix Suns and the Dallas Mavericks Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2020, in Dallas. Bryant and his daughter were among nine people killed Sunday in a California helicopter crash.
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Duke players wear a No. 24 jersey during a moment of silence in memory of Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna Bryant, prior to an NCAA college basketball game against Pittsburgh in Durham, North Carolina, Jan. 28, 2020.
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Fans place candles, flowers and mementos in tribute to Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna, outside of the Staples Center in Los Angeles, Jan. 27, 2020. The NBA legend and his 13-year-old daughter died with six other passengers and the pilot of a helicopter that crashed in Los Angeles on Sunday, shocking fans worldwide.
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Fans place candles, flowers and mementos in tribute to Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna, outside of the Staples Center in Los Angeles, Jan. 27, 2020. The NBA legend and his 13-year-old daughter died with six other passengers and the pilot of a helicopter that crashed in Los Angeles on Sunday, shocking fans worldwide.
David Zalubowski/AP
From left: Houston Rockets center Tyson Chandler, guard Austin Rivers and forward P.J. Tucker cry during a tribute to Kobe Bryant before an NBA basketball game against the Denver Nuggets, Sunday, Jan. 26, 2020, in Denver. Bryant died in a California helicopter crash Sunday.
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Photos of the late Nipsey Hussle and Kobe Bryant are projected onto a screen while YG, John Legend, Kirk Franklin, DJ Khaled, Meek Mill and Roddy Ricch perform onstage in their honor during the 62nd Grammy Awards at Staples Center on Jan. 26, 2020, in Los Angeles, California.
Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images
People gather around a makeshift memorial for former NBA and Los Angeles Lakers player Kobe Bryant after learning of his death at LA Live plaza in front of Staples Center in Los Angeles on Jan. 26, 2020. NBA legend Bryant died January 26 in a helicopter crash in suburban Los Angeles, along with his 13-year-old daughter Gianna.
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People cheer for former NBA star Kobe Bryant, who was killed in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California, as they mourn near Staples Center, Jan. 26, 2020, in Los Angeles, California. Nine people have been confirmed dead in the crash, among them Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna.
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Snoop Dogg wears a Los Angeles Lakers sweat suit in memory of Kobe Bryant to perform at The Fillmore on Jan. 26, 2020, in Detroit, Michigan. Kobe Bryant died in a helicopter crash on January 26th.
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Australia’s Nick Kyrgios wears a Lakers jersey with Kobe Bryant’s number to warm up to play against Spain’s Rafael Nadal during their men’s singles match on day eight of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on Jan. 27, 2020.
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Lonzo Ball (2) of the New Orleans Pelicans holds the ball for a 24 second shot clock violation to honor the passing of NBA legend Kobe Bryant during a game against the Boston Celtics, Jan. 26, 2020, at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana.
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Victor Nava holds up his sign at LA Live to pay tribute to Kobe Bryant who died earlier in a helicopter crash on Jan. 26, 2020, in Los Angeles, California.
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Los Angeles Lakers fan Victor Chavez, 30, of Los Angeles, mourns the death of retired NBA star Kobe Bryant outside the Staples Center prior to the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards on Jan. 26, 2020, in Los Angeles, California. Bryant, 41, died in a helicopter crash in near Calabasas, California, to the shock and grief of fans nationwide.
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Coco Gauff wear shoes that pay tribute to NBA star Kobe Bryant during her third round match Women’s doubles match against Shuko Aoyama and Ena Shibahara of Japan on day eight of the 2020 Australian Open at Melbourne Park, Jan. 27, 2020, in Melbourne, Australia.
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Alicia Keys and Boyz II Men sing in honor of late NBA legend Kobe Bryant during the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards, Jan. 26, 2020, in Los Angeles.
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Billboards around LA Live pay tribute to Kobe Bryant who died earlier in a helicopter crash on Jan. 26, 2020, in Los Angeles, California.
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Nike shoes worn by Josh Hart (3) of the New Orleans Pelicans memorializing former NBA player Kobe Bryant are pictured during a game against the Boston Celtics at the Smoothie King Center on Jan. 26, 2020, in New Orleans, Louisiana.
NBC Los Angeles
The Los Angeles International Airport light in up gold and purple on Jan. 27, 2020, in honor of Kobe Bryant. Bryant died on January 26th when the helicopter carrying him, his daughter Gianna and seven other people crashed, killing all onboard.
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Fans gather at LA Live to pay tribute to Kobe Bryant who died earlier in a helicopter crash on Jan. 26, 2020, in Los Angeles, California.
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Darrin Dnote Milton poses with his Lakerbug car at a vigil for the late NBA star Kobe Bryant, Jan. 26, 2020, in Los Angeles, California.
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Fans place flowers, candles and memorabilia at a makeshift memorial during a vigil held for NBA legend Kobe Bryant outside the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, Jan. 27, 2020. Fans gathered outside the Staples Center in Los Angeles to mourn the passing of NBA star Kobe Bryant. The 41-year-old Bryant died alongside his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven others in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California.
Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for The Recording Academy
Photos of the late Nipsey Hussle and Kobe Bryant are projected onto a screen while YG, John Legend, Kirk Franklin, DJ Khaled, Meek Mill and Roddy Ricch perform onstage in their honor during the 62nd Grammy Awards at Staples Center on Jan. 26, 2020, in Los Angeles, California.
Michael Tullberg/Getty Images
Distraught Los Angeles Lakers fan Naima Smith cries at a vigil for the late NBA star Kobe Bryant on Jan. 26, 2020, in Los Angeles, California.
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Exterior (above) and interior lights of the Madison Square Garden shine in purple and gold to honor NBA great Kobe Bryant after the game between the New York Knicks and the Brooklyn Nets on Jan. 26, 2020, in New York.
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Children look at a memorial wall painted in the image of former Los Angeles Lakers basketball player Kobe Bryant following his death, near the “House of Kobe” gym built in honour of his 2016 visit to the Philippines, in Manila on Jan. 27, 2020.
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Fans place flowers, candles and memorabilia at a makeshift memorial during a vigil held for NBA legend Kobe Bryant outside the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, Jan. 27, 2020. Fans gathered outside the Staples Center in Los Angeles to mourn the passing of NBA star Kobe Bryant. The 41-year-old Bryant died alongside his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven others in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California.
Apu Gomes/AFP via Getty Images
People gather around a makeshift memorial for former NBA and Los Angeles Lakers player Kobe Bryant after learning of his death, at LA Live plaza in front of Staples Center in Los Angeles, Jan. 26, 2020.
Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images
Exterior and interior lights (above) of the Madison Square Garden shine in purple and gold to honor NBA great Kobe Bryant after the game between the New York Knicks and the Brooklyn Nets on Jan. 26, 2020, in New York.
Apu Gomes/AFP via Getty Images
People gather around a makeshift memorial for former NBA and Los Angeles Lakers player Kobe Bryant after learning of his death, at LA Live plaza in front of Staples Center in Los Angeles, Jan. 26, 2020.
David McNew/Getty Images
Fans mourn at a makeshift memorial near Staples Center for former NBA star Kobe Bryant, who was killed in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California, Jan. 26, 2020, in Los Angeles, California. Nine people have been confirmed dead in the crash, among them Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna.
Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images
Fans gather at a makeshift candlelight memorial across from Staples center to mourn the death of former Los Angeles Lakers basketball player Kobe Bryant in Los Angeles, California, Jan. 26, 2020.
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People mourn at a makeshift memorial at Mamba Sports Academy for former NBA great Kobe Bryant, who was killed in a helicopter crash while commuting to the academy, Jan. 26, 2020 in Newbury Park, California. Nine people have been confirmed dead in the crash in Calabasas, among them Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna.
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People gather around a makeshift memorial for former NBA and Los Angeles Lakers player Kobe Bryant after learning of his death, at LA Live plaza in front of Staples Center in Los Angeles, Jan. 26, 2020.
Aaron Favila/AP
A boy plays basketball in front of images of former NBA basketball player Kobe Bryant at the “House of Kobe” basketball court in Valenzuela, Philippines, Jan. 27, 2020. Fans left flowers and messages on the walls at the newly inaugurated court after learning of Bryant’s death. Bryant died in a helicopter crash.
“I think everyone could say we loved the team as a whole, but it was different when you saw Kobe play," she said.
"And he was such an awesome man outside of basketball too," she added. “All the work he did in the community, he's a hero to this city."
