Lakers fans start memorial to Kobe Bryant outside Staples Center

January 26, 2020

Los Angeles Lakers fans began congregating outside of Staples Center and set up an impromptu memorial following the death of Kobe Bryant.

The plaza outside the arena was closed Sunday, as the venue is hosting the Grammy Awards later in the day. However, people still began to congregate outside of the barrier after news of Bryant’s passing spread.

I can’t even believe this is real… right now outside Staples. pic.twitter.com/yuunIbG2Ms

— Chiney Ogwumike (@Chiney321) January 26, 2020

Eventually, an impromptu memorial was set up outside of the temporary gate.

pic.twitter.com/Y67GVJ38Sh

— Chiney Ogwumike (@Chiney321) January 26, 2020

Flowers being set up at LA Live for Kobe Bryant

The Grammys are at Staples Center tonight, so plaza in front is blocked off. Dozens already beginning to gather here pic.twitter.com/6gHUVwGphB

— Jack Harris (@Jack_A_Harris) January 26, 2020

The shock in these videos is palpable. Many fans are simply stunned and wanted to congregate with other people who feel the same way right now. That feeling is clearly shared throughout the sports world, and the tributes will continue to pour in during the coming days.

More Larry Brown Sports coverage of Kobe Bryant’s death:

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Other victims of the helicopter crash:
– John Altobelli, junior college baseball coach, also died in helicopter crash
– Christina Mauser, girls’ basketball coach, among the helicopter crash victims

Tributes to Kobe:
– Dallas Mavericks retire Kobe Bryant’s No. 24 jersey
– Video: Raptors, Spurs start game with amazing tribute to Kobe Bryant
– Shaq posts heartfelt tribute to Kobe Bryant
– Michael Jordan releases statement on death of ‘little brother’ Kobe Bryant
– Video: Doc Rivers breaks down crying talking about Kobe Bryant
– Phil Jackson calls Kobe Bryant ‘a chosen one’ in statement on his death
– NBA commissioner Adam Silver issues statement on death of Kobe Bryant
– Video: Dwyane Wade posts emotional message reacting to Kobe Bryant’s death
– Kendrick Perkins extends olive branch to Kevin Durant after Kobe Bryant’s death
– Video: Emotional Mike Breen sums up NBA world’s emotions about Kobe Bryant’s death
– Trae Young’s huge game was full of Kobe Bryant-related statistical coincidences