Kobe Bryant's Parents, Joe and Pam Bryant, Attend Public Memorial

LeBron James is still in awe of Vanessa Bryant. The 35-year-old basketball star praised Kobe Bryant’s widow amid rumors that he didn’t attend the late athlete’s public memorial.

While Kobe Bryant’s fans, friends, and family members honoured the star during his memorial service, the ceremony was especially emotional for Vanessa Bryant, who lost her husband and 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, in the tragic helicopter accident last month. She broke down on more than one occasion during the emotional event and celebrities like Beyonce, Alicia Keys and Michael Jordan were there to support her.

Vanessa Bryant mourned the death of her late husband Kobe Bryant during her first official public appearance after the NBA star’s lost his life alongside their 13-year-old daughter Gianna in a tragic helicopter crash that took place on January 26, 2020. On February 24, fans, friends and family members gathered inside the Staples Center to pay tribute to Kobe and Gianna.

Gone but certainly not forgotten. Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna Bryant were honored during a public memorial service after passing away in a tragic helicopter wreck last month.

The GOAT of basketball himself, Michael Jordan, showed up in a big way to say goodbye to his “close friend” Kobe Bryant at his public memorial service. It isn’t often that MJ shows up to big, public events—but he made an exception to honor the legacy of his “little brother.”

#Roommates, Vanessa Bryant said one final goodbye to her husband Kobe Bryant, as she delivered his very emotional and heartbreaking eulogy at his public memorial service. Visibly choked up several times, Vanessa was able to get through it—and also shed light on the love story that she and Kobe shared.

Fans paid tribute to Kobe Bryant and Gianna Bryant with a celebration of life service on Monday.  Attendees arrived at the Los Angeles Staples Center—often referred to as "the house that Kobe built"—in their Lakers team attire and were given booklets featuring photos of the Bryant family.  The date of the public memorial—2/24/20—held significance for the Bryant family. Two and 24 represented the numbers that appeared on Gianna's and Kobe's basketball jerseys, respectively.

Fans around the world tuned in to see Monday's "A Celebration of Life for Kobe and Gianna Bryant," the moving and star-studded tribute to NBA legend Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna.

Shaquille O'Neal will never forget his special teammate. During Monday's celebration of life for Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna Bryant, many speakers from the basketball community were able to share their fond memories of the Los Angeles Lakers player.

Up until his passing, Kobe Bryant was doing good for others. During Monday's celebration of life for the NBA player and his daughter Gianna Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka took to the stage to share his fondest memories of his close friend.

Kobe Bryant‘s estranged parents, Pamela and Joe Bryant, were seen paying tribute to their late son and granddaughter, Gianna Bryant, during their beautiful memorial at the Staples Center. Though Kobe hadn’t spoken to his parents in several years, Vanessa welcomed them to the celebration of life with open arms to mourn as a family.

Fans and loved ones gathered at the Los Angeles Staples Center on Monday to honor the late Lakers legend Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna Bryant with a celebration of life service. The date—February 24, 2020—was truly significant.

They may no longer be here physically, but Kobe Bryant and Gianna Bryant's memories live on with Vanessa Bryant. During Monday's public memorial at the Staples Center, Vanessa earned a standing ovation as she stepped up to the podium to deliver a beautiful and emotional speech honoring her late husband and 13-year-old daughter.  "First I'd like to thank everyone for coming today," she began her moving eulogy.

Kobe Bryant's legacy still lives on. Just last month, the basketball legend passed away in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, Calif.

Beyoncé is sending her love to a dear friend. During Monday's celebration of life ceremony for Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna Bryant, "a very close friend of the Bryant family" helped kick off the very special event.