Michael Jordan looked back on the life of his “little brother” Kobe Bryant heartbroken and tears streaming down his face at a star-filled memorial in Los Angeles for the basketball great and his daughter Gianna, who died with seven others in a helicopter crash last month.
“When Kobe Bryant died, a piece of me died, and as I look in this arena, across the globe, a piece of you died,” the NBA legend said.
“I promise you, from this day forward, I will live with the memories and knowing that I had a little brother,” Jordan added. “I tried to help in every way I could. Please rest in peace, little brother.”
The public memorial dubbed as “A Celebration of Life for Kobe and Gianna Bryant” was held at Staples Center. The arena served as Kobe’s home for 17 years and known as “the house that Kobe built.”
The 2/24 date carries special significance as it coincides with Bryant’s jersey number — “24” — and Gianna’s “2” jersey number.
People who attended the memorial were given a 24-page program with pictures of Bryant and his family as well as a pin and black T-shirt featuring images of Kobe and his daughter on the back.
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