The Los Angeles Lakers will return to Staples Center on Friday night to play their first game since NBA legend Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna, and seven others lost their lives in a tragic helicopter accident last weekend. The Lakers were scheduled to play against the Clippers on Tuesday, but that game was postponed as team members and fans grieved in the aftermath of the accident.
Thousands of Lakers fans have gathered outside of Staples Center this week, and many have left flowers, signs and jerseys in tribute to Bryant. On Friday night, the Lakers are giving Bryant shirts to everyone who attends the game, with half of the arena receiving Bryant’s No. 8, and the other half receiving No. 24.
The Lakers’ court will also have an updated look. In photos shared on Twitter, the Lakers revealed that Bryant’s two retired numbers have been placed along the sideline.
Beside the baseline, the Lakers have added a circle with Bryant’s initials ‘KB.’
The same circle has been added to the Lakers’ uniforms.
On Friday, the NBA and NBPA announced a joint donation of $100,000 to a fund that will aid the families of the crash victims.
The Blazers-Lakers game will begin at 10:00 p.m. ET on ESPN.
