Lakers vs Clippers game postponed following Kobe Bryant’s death

The basketball game between Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers to be played on January 28 has been postponed and scheduled for a future date. This happened after the sudden death of the Lakers’ legend Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna in a helicopter crash.

The NBA released a statement that read in part: “The decision was made out of respect for the Lakers organization, which is deeply grieving the tragic loss of Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna and seven other people in a helicopter crash on Sunday.”

The tragic incident has caused the Internet and the entire NBA fraternity paying tribute to Kobe Bryant. Teams playing matches also paid tribute to him by violating the 24 second-shot-clock and 8-second backcourt clock expire after opening tip at the starting of the match. As number 8 and 24 being Kobe Bryant’s Jersey Number when he played basketball.

In fact, players are ready to give up the 8 and 24 number jerseys and change their jersey numbers as a tribute to Bryant. Brooklyn Nets guard Spencer Dinwiddie is among that group. Dinwiddie, who has worn No. 8 his entire career, changed to No. 26.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued the following statement today regarding the passing of Kobe Bryant pic.twitter.com/P88GwIwmYV

— NBA (@NBA) January 26, 2020

It was supposed to be the third encounter between the Lakers and Clippers this season, with Clippers winning both the contests till now. As per the sources Staples Center is likely to host the match on February 19 or April 10 as it is free of any commitments on the given days. Los Angeles Lakers’ official account also took to Twitter, thanking all of its fans for their tremendous outpouring of support and condolences.

pic.twitter.com/Y2hNr1QXG0

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) January 27, 2020

As of now, the Lakers are still at the top of the Western Conference with a 36-10 slate. Meanwhile, the Clippers are not that far behind at third with a 33-14 record. The Clippers and Lakers are scheduled to face each other for the fourth and final time this season on March 8th.