No organization in the NBA is suffering more than the Lakers right now. Following the death of their star, and franchise legend, everyone within the organization is clearly struggling.
After days of silence, and the postponing of a game against the Clippers, the team finally made a statement about the passing of Kobe and the other crash victims who lost their lives on Sunday.
We are devastated and have been forever changed by the sudden loss of Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna. We send our love to Vanessa, the Bryant family, and to the families of the other passengers.
Words cannot express what Kobe means to the Los Angeles Lakers, our fans, and our city. More than a basketball player, he was a beloved father, husband, and teammate. Their love and light will remain in our hearts forever.
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) January 30, 2020
They also announced their role in helping the other victims in the wake of the tragedy.
The Mamba Sports Foundation has set up the MambaOnThree Fund to support the families affected by this tragedy. To help, please visit https://t.co/e4Je5ORGC2. For those who are inspired to continue Kobe and Gianna’s legacy in youth sports, please visit https://t.co/KsaefpUNGf
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) January 30, 2020
Lakers coach Frank Vogel echoed the idea that they just want to make Kobe proud.
“We want to represent what Kobe was about, more than anything,” Lakers coach Frank Vogel said Wednesday, per the Associated Press. “We’ve always wanted to make him proud, and that’s not going to be any different now.”
The Bryant family has a lot of close ties to the city of Los Angeles and the Lakers organization as a whole. Even in his post-retirement life, he was a member of the family and a signature name of the brand.
No doubt, it’s a tough time for the Lakers and all those involved in the heartbreaking accident.
