Nick Kyrgios donned a Lakers’ jersey as he walked out to the court to take on World No. 1 Rafael Nadal in their Australian Open pre-quarterfinal clash. NBA great Kobe Bryant died in a helicopter crash on Sunday.
As a tribute to NBA great Kobe Bryant, who died in a helicopter crash on Sunday, Nick Kyrgios donned a Lakers’ jersey that had the name of Bryant at the back of it during his pre-quarterfinal clash with World No. 1 Rafael Nadal at the Australian Open, Monday.
Kobe Bryant died with his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven others in a helicopter crash northwest of Los Angeles. The sudden death of the basketball legend shocked athletes and others across the world.
Kyrgios walked out wearing a yellow Lakers jersey and filled with emotions as he sat on the bench on the side of the court. The Australian, however, removed the jersey before taking on Nadal.
Ahead of the start of the match between Kyrgios and Nadal, a video was also played at the Rod Laver Arena to pay tribute to Bryant, one of the greatest players in basketball history and a five-time NBA champion.
The 15-year-old Coco Gauff had Bryant’s numbers 8 and 24, along with the inscription “Mamba Mentality,” on her shoes in a doubles match at Melbourne Park.
Kobe Bryant died with his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven others in a helicopter crash northwest of Los Angeles.
Many fans in the crowd were also spotted wearing Bryant jersey.
Bryant rocketed to fame as an 18-year-old rookie and played 20 years for the Los Angeles Lakers – 18 of them as an all-star – winning five NBA championships. His death sent shockwaves through the National Basketball Association, which he helped propel to global prominence, and stunned fans around the world.
Story Credit: indiatoday.in
