Weeks before the Los Angeles Dodgers gathered to start Spring Training ahead of what would be a championship season, several players spoke at length about the sadness they felt from L.A. Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna, and seven others tragically passing away.
The helicopter accident occurred a few miles from where Justin and Kourtney Turner were due to hold their fifth annual Justin Turner Golf Classic. In what would occur multiple times throughout the year, Turner and Clayton Kershaw shared their thoughts on Bryant and his legacy.
The Lakers icon had been to several Dodgers games, including attending Game 4 of the 2018 World Series. He spent time in the clubhouse and announced the lineups prior to first pitch, and was on hand for the marathon of a night it became.
Bryant’s impact and influence has been well-documented, and it also was the basis for Joc Pederson choosing a new jersey number with the Chicago Cubs, via Jordan Bastian of MLB.com:
“I think 24 was available, so I think that because of Kobe and all that, it was a no-brainer for me to wear 24. … I was fortunate I got to meet him a couple of times. Talking to him about how he viewed basketball and the details that went into practice and film and all that was pretty eye-opening. Even competing in practice and just his demeanor towards that, (you) understand why he was as good as he was. He maximized his ability.”
Pederson wore No. 65 when he debuted with the Dodgers during the 2014 season, then switched to No. 31 the following year and kept that until signing with the Cubs. Of course, change was required as the Cubs retired No. 31 for Greg Maddux in 2009.
Mookie shared Kobe video
Shortly after the Dodgers won the World Series, Mookie Betts shared a celebratory video that was narrated by Bryant. Betts and Bryant had established a relationship through Body Armor and had planned to meet in L.A. before the tragic accident.
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