Lakers fall to Blazers on tribute night for Kobe Bryant
James gives heartfelt speech before game, Lakers show tribute video, memorial made for Bryant at Staples Center
The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 127-119 late Friday, as the Lakers played for the first time after the untimely death of Lakers' legend Kobe Bryant, his daughter, and seven others.
Fans at the Staples Center witnessed an emotional night with the organization's touching tribute to Bryant before the game.
The franchise honored their legendary superstar Kobe Bryant ahead of the game by showing a video of five-time NBA champions' career moments on the court, narrated by Bryant's voice.
LeBron James also gave an emotional speech, which he began by reciting the names of the nine victims from Sunday's helicopter crash.
Despite having prepared notes for his speech, James decided to "go straight from the heart" and gave an emotional tribute to his friend, Kobe.
On Sunday, Kobe and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna were killed in a helicopter crash outside Los Angeles, along with seven other people on board.
Jerseys of Kobe and Gianna were laid at their seats, where they watched a Lakers game at Staples Center almost a month ago.
In the match, Lillard maintained his hot streak with 48 points,10 assists, and 9 rebounds, leading the victory for the Blazers after he had his first career triple-double in a win over Rockets on Wednesday.
Besides Lillard's great form, Hassan Whiteside was also unstoppable for the Blazers, recording 30 points, 13 rebounds, and 5 blocks.
Lakers' superstar duo LeBron James and Anthony Davis were in form as they combined for 59 points and 23 rebounds.
James played scored 22 points and made 10 assists, while Davis scored 37 points and grabbed 15 rebounds in the losing effort.
After the match, having the league's second-best record (36-11), the Lakers saw their Western Conference lead was sliced to just three games ahead of the 34-15 Nuggets.
Friday results in NBA:
*Detroit Pistons - Toronto Raptors: 92-105
*Houston Rockets - Dallas Mavericks: 128-121
*Brooklyn Nets - Chicago Bulls: 133-118
*New Orleans Pelicans - Memphis Grizzlies: 139-111
*Milwaukee Bucks - Denver Nuggets: 115-127
*Phoenix Suns - Oklahoma City Thunder: 107-111
*Los Angeles Lakers - Portland Trail Blazers: 119-127
*Home team
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