LOS ANGELES – Kobe Bryant’s resonant voice echoed through the darkened Staples Center while images from his life and career flickered on the scoreboard above Friday night.
LeBron James’ heartfelt pregame speech honoring his friend left fans and players alike cheering through tears.
Then, somehow, the Los Angeles Lakers and the Portland Trail Blazers had to play basketball after a wrenching pregame ceremony honoring Bryant and the other eight victims killed just five days earlier in a helicopter crash.
Damian Lillard gave a performance that nudged aside the basketball world’s collective heartbreak for just a moment, scoring 48 points to lead the Trail Blazers as they won 127-119 in the Lakers’ first game since the death of the 41-year-old Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven others.
In an inspired effort, Lillard hit seven 3-pointers and added 10 assists and nine rebounds to send Portland to victory over an opponent still dealing with the trauma of the tragedy that claimed the life of its franchise icon.