LeBron James Goes Off-Script To Speak To Laker Nation At First Game Since Kobe's Death

By LAist staff

Published Jan 31, 2020 8:50 PM

Before LeBron James spoke about his good friend, he made sure he said the names of all nine people killed in the Sunday morning helicopter crash: Alyssa Altobelli, John Altobelli, Keri Altobelli, Payton Chester, Sarah Chester, Christina Mauser, Ara Zoboyan, Gianna Bryant.

And finally, Kobe Bryant.

It had already been a tearful evening of pre-game tributes before the Lakers took the court for the first time since the fatal crash. Then James took the mic.

"I got something written down. They asked me to kinda stay on course or whatever the case might be, but Laker Nation I'd be selling y'all short if I read from this s--- so I'm going straight from the heart."

He dropped those prepared remarks on the court. James said at some point he knew there'd be a memorial, but he considered this night a celebration. Listen to what he said:

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"Tonight we celebrate the kid that came here at 18, retired at 38 and became probably the best dad we've seen over the last three years.” pic.twitter.com/0sS7e91cuz
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) February 1, 2020

GO DEEPER:

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LeBron James Goes Off-Script To Speak To Laker Nation At First Game Since Kobe's Death