Watch Usher Deliver ‘Amazing Grace’ at Lakers’ Kobe Bryant Tribute

R&B veteran Usher performed an emotional rendition of the hymn "Amazing Grace" as the Los Angeles Lakers honored Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna and the victims of the tragic helicopter crash. Just before the Los Angeles Lakers played a home game on Friday against the Portland Trail Blazers, the Staples Center turned into a celebration and a wake, featuring musical performances, video tributes and speeches.
Usher's performance was accompanied by a video showing how fans, fellow basketball players and athletes across sports and across the world mourned for Bryant. Usher sang "Amazing Grace" beside floral arrangements of Bryant's two jersey numbers, 8 and 24.
Following Usher's performance, the Lakers played a six-minute tribute video to Bryant highlighting his career accomplishments with voiceover provided by the basketball legend. Los Angeles Philharmonic cellist Ben Hong accompanied the video live at center court.
R&B group Boyz II Men sang a rendition of the national anthem, and Lakers guard LeBron James addressed the crowd.
"I know, at some point, we will have a memorial for Kobe, but I look at this as a celebration tonight," James said. "This is a celebration of the 20 years of the blood, the sweat, the tears, the broken-down body, the getting up, the sitting down, the countless hours, the determination to be as great as he could be."
Earlier Friday, James revealed on his Instagram that he had gotten a new tattoo in Bryant's honor on his left thigh. It was a black snake with the inscription "Mamba 4 Life."
"In the words of Kobe Bryant, Mamba out," he told the fans, "But in the words of us, not forgotten. Live on, brother."
Tags : usher usher amazing grace usher kobe bryant tribute kobe bryant kobe bryant death Boyz II Men los angeles lakers kobe bryant tribute lebron james
Hot Trends
-
Crowder Undergoes Emergency Surgery Following Leg Injury
-
Recent Accident Inspires Forrest Frank’s New Single "Lemonade (feat. The Figs)"
-
Chris Rice Maintains Public Silence Following Abuse Allegations; Focuses on Writing and Speaking
-
Mel Gibson’s Resurrection To Hit Theaters In Two Parts On Good Friday And Ascension Day
-
Author and Adventurer JT Mestdagh Shares Inspiring Journey in New Edition of "No Bad Days"
-
Adam Lambert Cast as Judas in "Jesus Christ Superstar"
-
Danny Gokey & Natalie Grant Announce 10th Annual "Celebrate Christmas" Tour
-
Jerry Savelle, Televangelist & Prosperity Gospel Preacher, Dies
-
Wanda Bell Launches LadyBellRadio.com 24/7 Gospel Music Platform
-
"Finished" by Caleb and John: A Soul-Stirring Anthem Celebrating Christ’s Complete Victory
-
Max Lucado Announces New Book "Tame Your Thoughts"
-
Forrest Frank Turns Pain into Praise with New Single “Lemons Into Lemonade”
-
Here Are Lyrics to Bethel Music's "The Church"
-
Matt Maher Reflects on Historic Vigil in Rome
-
Joel Smallbone To Star In Upcoming Historical Epic "Young Washington"
Most Popular
-
Crowder Undergoes Emergency Surgery Following Leg Injury
-
Recent Accident Inspires Forrest Frank’s New Single "Lemonade (feat. The Figs)"
-
Chris Rice Maintains Public Silence Following Abuse Allegations; Focuses on Writing and Speaking
-
Mel Gibson’s Resurrection To Hit Theaters In Two Parts On Good Friday And Ascension Day
-
Author and Adventurer JT Mestdagh Shares Inspiring Journey in New Edition of "No Bad Days"
-
Adam Lambert Cast as Judas in "Jesus Christ Superstar"
-
Danny Gokey & Natalie Grant Announce 10th Annual "Celebrate Christmas" Tour
-
Jerry Savelle, Televangelist & Prosperity Gospel Preacher, Dies
-
Wanda Bell Launches LadyBellRadio.com 24/7 Gospel Music Platform
-
"Finished" by Caleb and John: A Soul-Stirring Anthem Celebrating Christ’s Complete Victory
-
Max Lucado Announces New Book "Tame Your Thoughts"
-
Forrest Frank Turns Pain into Praise with New Single “Lemons Into Lemonade”
-
Here Are Lyrics to Bethel Music's "The Church"
-
Matt Maher Reflects on Historic Vigil in Rome
-
Joel Smallbone To Star In Upcoming Historical Epic "Young Washington"