How NBA teams paid tribute to Kobe Bryant after his death in helicopter crash
TRIBUTES were paid to Kobe Bryant across the NBA as eight games were played amid sombre atmospheres on the day of the former Los Angeles Lakers great's death.
Chants of 'Kobe, Kobe' resounded in most stadiums as players honoured the five-time championship winner and dealt with their own grief in various ways.
Bryant died in a helicopter crash alongside his 13-year-old daughter Gianna in California on Sunday morning.
Kyrie Irving opted to stand down from the Brooklyn Nets' match against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden, which like all other venues observed a minute's silence before the match.
Pictures of Bryant were displayed on the large screens outside Madison Square Garden, the location of some of his finest moments.
The Toronto Raptors and San Antonio Spurs each dribbled out the 24-second shot clock in their match, in honour of Bryant's second jersey number of 24, a gesture repeated in several other matches.
In Memphis, the Grizzlies won the opening tip-off and immediately took a 24-second shot clock violation.
The Phoenix Suns responded with their first possession by staying in the backcourt to incur an eight-second violation, a nod to the fact Bryant started his career wearing eight.
In Atlanta, Trae Young wore a number eight jersey for the first few seconds of the Hawks win over the Washington Wizards.
Young also put a tribute to Bryant on his shoes, and looked up to the heavens several times to honour Bryant, his mentor and favourite player.
Fans also mourned Bryant’s death with a make shift memorial in front of LA Live which across the street from the Staples Centre, home of the Lakers.