Friday, March 29, 2024

LeBron James Declines to Confirm Whether He Attended Kobe Bryant Memorial [VIDEO]

lebron james - kobe bryant

*LeBron James won’t confirm if he attended the “Celebration of Life for Kobe and Gianna Bryant” on Monday at Staples Center, after he wasn’t shown in any coverage from the event.

The Los Angeles Lakers star has noted on several occasions that Bryant’s death has been hard on him, so it’s understandable if he did not attend the event.

But according to Hoop Central, James was at the memorial but he requested not to be filmed.

James was asked at practice Tuesday if he attended the ceremony, and noted that the topic is still very emotional for him.

“I respect your question for sure, but it’s very emotional,” James told reporters, via LA Times. “A very emotional day. A very tough day for myself, for my family, for everyone involved.”

OTHER NEWS YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED: Bhad Bhabie Threatens to ‘Kill’ Skai Jackson, Accuses Disney Star of Stalking Her [WATCH]

All of the Lakers reportedly attended the ceremony, as did team owner Jeanie Buss, general manager Rob Pelinka and former and current players Jerry West, Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Elgin Baylor, Anthony Davis and Kyle Kuzma.

NBA star stars Stephen Curry, James Harden, Russell Westbrook, Kemba Walker, Jayson Tatum and Klay Thompson were also present.

“The one thing I can come out of this saying is how strong and how bold and how powerful Vanessa [Bryant] is to stand up there the way she did, to give the speech the way she gave that speech. I commend her,” said James of Kobe’s wife eulogy. My heart is with her family still, with his three daughters that’s still here, with his wife, with his mom and dad, his sister. It was just a very difficult day. Obviously celebration, but it was a difficult day for all of us. I’d appreciate it if we can move on tonight. That would be great.”


James was also asked about the Lakers moving forward in wake of Kobe’s death.

“It’s never a closure. It’s never going to be a closure,” he said. “I mean, we continue to live on his legacy and continue to have our hearts heavy with both sadness and with happiness for his family that are still here. So, it’s not a closure. But it was a celebration, which was well received from not only the Laker faithful, not only the family here, but everybody around the world.”

Bryant and his 12-year-old daughter Gianna were killed in a helicopter crash Jan. 26, along with seven others.

“It’s been a celebration ever since we got the horrific news about his life and what he means to the game. But I don’t want to keep going back on it,” James said Sunday. “I think it’s unfair and unjust to his family as they’re trying to move on and we’re all trying to move on, but also know that he’s with us.

“His jersey is sitting in my locker right now. But it just puts me in a difficult mind state if I continue to harp on it, if you can respect that.”

We Publish News 24/7. Don’t Miss A Story. Click HERE to SUBSCRIBE to Our Newsletter Now!

YOU MAY LIKE

SEARCH

- Advertisement -

TRENDING