The Los Angeles Lakers, and the city of Los Angeles, did their best to get back to basketball on Friday night as they returned to the Staples Center for the first time since the tragic death of Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gigi, and seven others in a helicopter crash on Sunday. The night was filled with beautiful tributes, including “Amazing Grace” from Usher, and a special speech from LeBron James. But after the game was played, the Los Angeles Lakers were unable to come out victorious as Damian Lillard delivered a Mamba-esque performance of 48 points, 10 assists and nine rebounds in Portland’s third straight win.
Lillard surely honored Bryant with his play but he wasn’t alone. Hassan Whiteside had 30 points and 12 rebounds, while CJ McCollum had 19 points and five assists. Before the game, Lillard shared what it meant to him to play on the day that honored Kobe.
Anthony Davis tried to match Lillard shot-for-shot on the night as he had 37 points, 15 rebounds, and six assists. LeBron James had 22 points, 10 assists, and eight rebounds but the Lakers were unable to slow down Portland the way they needed to to get a victory.
The best bit of news for the Lakers is their next game isn’t far away as they will fly north tonight for a game tomorrow against the Sacramento Kings.
