Lakers' long flight after Kobe Bryant death: From disbelief to grief

Kobe Bryant's untimely death shocked entire sports community. Los Angeles Lakers unsurprisingly paid tribute to ir legend. From head coach Frank Vogel to stars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis, Lakers players and squad, all mourned death of one of league's greatest. Lakers learnt tragic news on  team plane flying home from Philadelphia, after ar dominating win over 76ers. What started with instant disbelief quickly turned into a trdy and a long flight from Philadelphia to Los Angeles. 

Kobe Bryant death: Lakers flight details

ESPN shared  details of Lakers flight quoting Frank Vogel, "re was that uncomfortable time, feeling like. This is a crazy report". Vogel furr ted that his expectation was to hear that it was a false report. 

Speaking to ESPN, Anthony Davis expressed his disbelief when he learnt  sad news from teammate Dwight Howard. It was revealed that LeBron James, who had just passed Kobe Bryant as . 3 in NBA All-Time scoring charts, spoke to Bryant  same morning. Davis furr added that it was he who had to take new to LeBron. 26-year old stated that LeBron James instantly broke down as Davis tried to console him. 

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Kobe Bryant death: LeBron James takes charge during Lakers flight to LA

With rest of Lakers players just digesting news of Kobe Bryant's death, LeBron James reportedly took charge of situation. Vogel stated that he confirmed reports with Lakers president Jeanie Buss and it was all LeBron after that. 

"Even though at times we question him and question why he does some of things that he does, kw that he's never made a mistake. And just hope that he has his hands on top of Vanessa [Bryant] and kids at that time, and hope that he continues to watch over all of us." - LeBron James on Kobe Bryant as quoted by ESPN

This was unsurprisingly one of hardest and longest flights for Lakers. With Lakers trying to contain ir emotions, LeBron James was even spotted crying when team touched down at LA airport. 

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Kobe Bryant death: Tributes from Lakers and LeBron James

In coming days, LA Lakers paid tribute to ir legend at Staples Center ahead of ir game against Portland Trail Blazers on January 31. LeBron James and ors also paid heartfelt tributes to Bryant on social media. 

That brings us to February 24 (February 25 IST), when thousands of fans gared at Staples Center to remember late Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna (Gigi) and seven or victims of tragic crash. sold-out memorial to dedicated to Bryant's legacy in LA saw a speech from Bryant's wife Vanessa Bryant while performances from Beyonce, Alicia Keys and Christina Aguilera. Lakers even anunced that proceeds from ticket sales would be donated to Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation.

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You can watch memorial here:

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