Latest from Kobe Bryant memorial: Fans begin to enter Staples Center
Los Angeles will come to a stop Monday to publicly memorialize Kobe and Gianna Bryant at the Staples Center.
When Vanessa Bryant announced the public service on Instagram earlier this month, she pointed out the symbolism in the date: 2/24/20.
Two for the number Gianna, aka “Mambacita,” wore. Twenty-four for the number Kobe wore during the second half of his career. And twenty, for the years Kobe and Vanessa spent together.
Kobe and Gianna were buried in a private ceremony on Feb. 7, according to records.
It is sure to be an emotional event. Follow along with USA TODAY Sports for live updates.
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LeBron James tweets ‘2/24’ with infinity symbol
James and the Lakers have endured plenty off the court over the last month as they continue leading the Western Conference.
The infinity symbol was important to Bryant. His production company, called Granity Studios, issued a statement three days after his death:
“Granity is a word Kobe created that is a combination of greater than infinity. How very Kobe.”
Fans begin to enter Staples Center
Patient and mourning Lakers fans lined up outside Staples Center before the crack of dawn. Then around 8:30 am PT, arena workers opened the doors for those attending Kobe and Gianna Bryant’s memorial service.
Things were more affordable down the street. Vendors were selling Kobe beanies, caps and T-shirts for $10 apiece.
One vendor said that has been here for 24 hours.
“No shower,” she said with a grin.
— Josh Peter, USA TODAY Sports, reporting from Los Angeles
Kobe, Gianna imagery everywhere
The image of Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna are on omnipresent near Staples Center on Monday as the memorial service for both approaches.
In addition to T-shirts and other merchandise bearing their images, they’re also pictured together on a massive electronic billboard.
And on a retaining wall in front of a car wash, someone has spray-painted, “RIP KOBE GIGI.”
Meanwhile, hundreds of ticket-holders for the memorial service already are standing in line, with doors to Staples Center expected to open at about 8 a.m.
— Josh Peter, USA TODAY Sports, reporting from Los Angeles
As a condition of providing this live stream, the USA TODAY Network is required to show a graphic directing viewers to Kobe and Gianna Bryant’s foundation.
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