Kobe Bryant Memorial: Wife, Vanessa Bryant Gives Emotional Tribute To Late NBA Star And Daughter, Gianna Who Died In An Helicopter Crash (Video)

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Late NBA star, Kobe Bryant who died alongside his 13 year old daughter, Gianna in a fatal helicopter crash
Late NBA star, Kobe Bryant who died alongside his 13 year old daughter, Gianna in a fatal helicopter crash

A memorial service has been held at the Staples Centre, Los Angeles for NBA star Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna, 13, who were killed in a helicopter crash on January 26.

Late Kobe Bryant‘s wife, Vanessa Bryant, paid an emotional tribute to her late husband, speaking candidly to the crowd while occasionally choking back tears.

Read Also: Just In: NBA Legend, Kobe Bryant Dies in Helicopter Crash

Dressed in all black, Vanessa spoke first about daughter Gianna, saying;

Gianna Bryant was an amazingly sweet and gentle soul. She was one of my very best friends. I loved the way she looked up at me while hugging me. It was as if she was soaking me all in.

She went on to talk about her husband saying people described him as a fierce competitor on the basketball court, but to her;

He was my sweet husband and the beautiful father of our children. He was my everything. Babe, take care of our Gigi. And I got Nani, Bibi and Coco. We’re still the best team.

Read Also: Heart Breaking Moment LeBron James Broke Into Tears Following Death Of Friend Kobe Bryant In Helicopter Crash, As He And Other Stars Pay Tribute

The year 2020, his wife said, symbolizes his 20 years with the Lakers and the 20 years the Bryants were a couple.

Beyonce and Alicia Keys performed and fans, with and without tickets into the center, paid their respects outside of the stadium.

Earlier, Ms Bryant announced she is suing the owner of the helicopter in which her husband, her daughter and seven other people were travelling when it crashed in fog.

Around 20,000, including many of the NBA’s biggest luminaries, were expected to attend the Monday service in Staples Center, which became known as the “House that Kobe Built” during his career with the Los Angeles Lakers.

According to Vanessa Bryant, she chose the date — 2/24/2020 — for deeply personal reasons.

Gianna, an aspiring basketball star, wore No. 2, and her father, Kobe wore No. 24 during the latter part of his NBA career. 

Watch tribute videos below:

See some photos from memorial service below:

Vanessa Bryant during her speech at Kobe Bryant and Gianna Bryant's memorial service at the Staples Center in Los Angeles
Vanessa Bryant during her speech at Kobe Bryant and Gianna Bryant’s memorial service at the Staples Center in Los Angeles
Beyonce during her performance at Kobe Bryant’s memorial service
Beyonce during her performance at Kobe Bryant's memorial service
Beyonce during her performance at Kobe Bryant’s memorial service

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