Ahead Of LA Lakers' First Game Since Kobe Bryant's Death, Thousands Turn Up To Mourn The NBA Legend

Many fans of Kobe Bryant fans flooded the stadium ahead of LA Lakers' first game since the NBA legend's death.

Fans wore his jerseys and T-shirts as they put flowers and messages on temporary white walls.

"Kobe Bryant meant a lot to me. I've been watching him for 20 years since he came into the league and I just love him," said Lakers fan Karina Mendoza.

"I want to thank him for everything he has done for us here in L.A."

¡°You guys will always be in my heart.¡± pic.twitter.com/m7a5Yr8BsT

¡ª Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) February 1, 2020

"It's a sad and a beautiful day. You can see all the people here and all the Lakers fans. We're like family. Love you Kobe, love you Gigi and all the families."

Inside the arena, where tributes were expected throughout the game, Kobe and Gianna jerseys were placed on the two courtside seats where the pair sat at their last Lakers game.

"I was surprised to see how much it affected me as soon as I got here and saw these makeshift memorials," said 71-year-old Lakers fan Jim Bendat.

"My kids grew up with Kobe and Kobe meant so much to all three of my children. So I sort of experienced all that along with my kids.

"It's almost like losing a child in a way."

#GirlDad pic.twitter.com/vAdwfoKcJh

¡ª Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) February 1, 2020

Bryant and the eight others died when the helicopter they were taking to a girls' basketball tournament crashed in foggy weather on a hillside northwest of Los Angeles.

Following Bryant's death, the National Basketball Association (NBA) canceled a game scheduled for Staples Center on Tuesday between the Lakers and the Los Angles Clippers, citing the need to give the team time to grieve.

Vogel this week said the tragedy was bringing the Western Conference-leading Lakers, an already tight-knit group, even closer together and credited team leaders LeBron James and Anthony Davis with helping the players manage their emotions.

"I'm heartbroken and devastated my brother!!" James, who was seen in tears at Los Angeles International Airport on the day of Bryant's death, wrote on Instagram on Monday. "I promise you I'll continue your legacy man!"

Earlier on Friday James posted a photo of a new tattoo depicting a snake and the words "Mamba 4 Life," a reference to Bryant's Black Mamba nickname.

Davis posted a photo on Instagram of the two sitting side by side at the 2012 Olympics.

This locker. pic.twitter.com/zoErJY0rnL

¡ª Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) February 1, 2020

Practice on Thursday began with some flag football on an outside field near the Lakers' practice facility in what Vogel called "therapeutic" Southern California sunshine.

"We are striking a balance of trying to make us feel good," Vogel said. "Laughter is always a good remedy for something like this when it's appropriate."

It was not clear if surviving members of Bryant's family would attend Friday's game. His widow, Vanessa, posted a photo of herself with her late husband and four daughters on Instagram on Wednesday, her first public comment since his death.

¡°We¡¯ve been through our ups and been through our downs. I think the most important part is that we all stayed together throughout.¡± pic.twitter.com/AJDrr1WDIT

¡ª Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) January 31, 2020

Vanessa Bryant, 37, in the post described herself and surviving daughters as "completely devastated," and thanked fans for their support.

Although Friday's game against the Portland Trail Blazers will mark the first for the Lakers since his death, Bryant was remembered at Staples Center on Sunday night by performers at the Grammy Awards as fans gathered outside the arena in a spontaneous vigil.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences said the Feb. 9 Oscars ceremony would include a salute to Bryant.