Kobe Bryant's legacy honoured in emotional memorial

KEVORK DJANSEZIAN / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / AFP

Hundreds of thousands of people gathered at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles on Monday to honour Kobe and Gianna Bryant.

Former Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Bryant, 41, and Gianna, 13, were among nine people killed in a helicopter crash in January.

Kobe's wife Vanessa opened the memorial with an emotional tribute to her "baby girl" and her "soulmate". 

"God knew they couldn't be on this Earth without each other," Vanessa said. "He had to bring them home to have them together." 

NBA legends Michael Jordan and Shaquille O'Neal also took to the stage to remember their late friend. 

"When Kobe Bryant died, a piece of me died," said an emotional Jordan. Meanwhile, O'Neal called Kobe "Heaven's MVP" and added: "Kobe and I always held a deep respect and love for one another."

The memorial also saw performances from Beyoncé, Alicia Keys and Christina Aguilera. 

More from International news

News

  • Gargash: UAE could join US-led effort to secure Strait of Hormuz

    The United Arab Emirates could take part in a US-led effort to safeguard shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to UAE President Sheikh Mohamed said, though he added no formal plan had been agreed and discussions were ongoing.

  • UAE President, Indian PM discuss regional developments

    UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan received a phone call on Tuesday from India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during which they discussed developments in the region amid escalating military action.

  • UAE sends urgent medical aid to Gaza

    The United Arab Emirates has dispatched an urgent shipment of medicines and medical supplies to the Gaza Strip as part of its ongoing humanitarian efforts under "Operation Chivalrous Knight 3".