The last few days have been a constant outpouring of feelings of sorrow, angst, despair, nostalgia and much more. And as part of the grieving process for the basketball world, TNT produced a special edition of their show from inside an empty Staples Center, site of the postponed game between the Lakers and Clippers on Tuesday.
The most noteworthy moments of the show came from Shaquille O’Neal and Jerry West, who were both overcome with emotions. Shaq, of course, was Bryant’s running-mate for three championship runs from 2000-02 and West is the man who was able to trade for Bryant on the day of the 1996 NBA Draft. But how Kobe affected the immediate generation after him was discussed by Miami Heat legend Dwyane Wade.
Wade, who is often compared to Bryant because they play the same position, says that he, LeBron James and others from their generation who are compared to Kobe just wanted to make him proud.
While Dwyane Wade eulogized Bryant on national TV alongside other NBA legends, his son Zaire honored Kobe with his famous jersey pull to the side after a dunk in his game last night for Sierra Canyon.
The Lakers next scheduled game is Friday at Staples Center against the Portland Trail Blazers.
