Prior to Sunday’s three-game finale against the Colorado Rockies, the Los Angeles Dodgers paid tribute to Kobe and Gianna Bryant at Dodger Stadium. It has been nearly seven months since they, along with seven other passengers, tragically passed away in a helicopter crash on a foggy morning in Calabasas.
Kobe would have celebrated his 42nd birthday Sunday. To honor him, Dodgers players and coaches, along with Rockies outfielder Matt Kemp, donned Bryant’s No. 8 and 24 Lakers jerseys during a pregame ceremoy.
Moreover, Kobe’s No. 24 and Gianna’s No. 2 were written across the back of the mound. Retired Hall-of-Fame broadcaster Vin Scully also narrated a video package of Bryant’s most notable accomplishments on-and-off the court.
Throughout the day, many Dodgers players, including Mookie Betts, Cody Bellinger, Justin Turner, Joc Pederson and Kenley Jansen, took to Instagram to wish Bryant a happy birthday.
Having played out his entire 20-year NBA career with the Lakers, Bryant was always well received at Dodger Stadium. He announced the lineups prior to Game 4 of the 2018 World Series, a night that Bellinger said left him starstruck when the two met before first pitch.
Betts, who has exceeded lofty expectations in his first season with the Dodgers, recently recalled being motivated by a lasting message he received during his final conversation with the Lakers icon.
As for Turner — a Long Beach, Calif., native and lifelong Lakers fan — he has always admired Bryant not just for his achievements on the court, but his impact off of it as well.
Kobe’s passion and work in the community resonated with Turner, who along with his wife Kourtney regularly provide for those in need through their Justin Turner Foundation.
Dave Roberts appreciative of Bryant tribute
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, who has quoted Bryant on multiple occasions when addressing his players, was grateful that the organization honored the Lakers legend. “To see the Kobe jerseys in our lockers today was special,” he said.
“For us to reflect on him on his birthday, he’s a champion and one of the greatest of all-time. For us to sweep the Rockies and play good baseball and get to enjoy tonight, get an off day, it couldn’t have been a more perfect day.
“Appreciate the Rockies acknowledging Kobe’s birthday as well. I thought the Dodgers did a nice tribute.”
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