Fans Pay Tribute to Kobe Bryant Outside Staples Center

In the wake of Kobe Bryant’s death on Sunday, dozens of fans began gathering outside Los Angeles’ Staples Center to pay tribute to the former NBA star, KTLA reported.

Bryant starred for 20 years with the Los Angeles Lakers, who call Staples Center home, and won five NBA championships with the team. He died Sunday in a helicopter crash at age 41.

The sports icon and Oscar winner died aboard his private helicopter when it crashed in Calabasas and started a fire. Nine people, including one of his four daughters, Gianna, 13, died in the crash, which is under investigation.

Meanwhile, video posted on Twitter by Los Angeles Times sportwriter Jack Harris showed a man placing a bouquet of flowers outside Staples Center.

Related Stories

Movies

Erik Lomis, Veteran Studio Distribution Executive, Dies at 64

Movies

Norman Steinberg, Screenwriter on 'Blazing Saddles,' 'My Favorite Year' and 'Johnny Dangerously,' Dies at 83

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 area is already crowded due to Sunday’s Grammy Awards; the non-televised portion of the show is underway at the nearby Microsoft Theater, while the televised portion kicks off at 5 p.m. PT at Staples Center.

The Los Angeles Police Department tweeted a note discouraging fans thinking about coming to the area: “We’re aware of published reports regarding the helicopter crash in Calabasas today & we’re still in the process of confirming with @LASDHQ who was on board. As a reminder, the area around the Staples Center is closed due to the Grammys & fans will not be able to access the arena.”

We’re aware of published reports regarding the helicopter crash in Calabasas today & we’re still in the process of confirming with @LASDHQ who was on board. As a reminder, the area around the Staples Center is closed due to the Grammys & fans will not be able to access the arena.

— LAPD HQ (@LAPDHQ) January 26, 2020