In one of the most emotional sporting events in recent memory, the LA Lakers played their first home game at Staples Center since the tragic passing of Lakers legend Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna in a helicopter crash.
The game turned into a celebration of their lives with moving musical tributes, an address by current Lakers star LeBron James and two courtside seats left empty and draped with Gianna's Mamba Academy jersey and her father's No. 24 Lakers jersey. They were the same seats they filled for a Dec. 29 Lakers game.
Newly acquired LA Galaxy star forward Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez happened to be seated right next to those courtside seats for the game.
The Lakers played the Portland Trailblazers and lost the game 127-119. But the game itself was an afterthought.
Watch the pregame ceremonies here:
