Michael Jordon Delivers Tearful Speech at Kobe Bryant Memorial

On Tuesday morning, hundreds gathered at the Staples Center, a landmark of the career of late NBA great Kobe Bryant to honor the Lakers legend and his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna Bryant.

An abundance of fans surrounded the Staples Center, many dressed in replica Kobe Lakers jerseys chanting his name. A league of NBA notables was in attendance including Shaquille O’Neal, Magic Johnson, Dwayne Wade, Stephen Curry, coach Phil Jackson and many more.

One of Bryant’s most influential players, NBA icon Michael Jordan was also in attendance. Jordan was visibly moved by the loss of Kobe throughout the ceremony. After his widow, Vanessa Bryant delivered her heartfelt eulogy to her late daughter and husband, Jordan was seen assisting her down the podium showing forth his moral support.

Jordan later delivered a tearful speech about his relationship with Kobe. The Chicago Bulls legend expressed how his tight-knit relationship with Kobe may be a surprise to some, but he ultimately accepted Kobe as his ”little brother.” He revealed that a piece of him left with the passing of Bryant.

“When Kobe Bryant died, a piece of me died,” Jordan said. “And as I look in this arena and across the globe, a piece of you died or else you wouldn’t be here.”

He even joked, as he was brought to tears, about how the speech may result in the resurrection of another era of crying memes, but acknowledged his tears as the effect of Kobe’s character.

“Now he’s got me, and I’ll have to look at another crying meme for the next—” Jordan said before interrupted by the applause of the mourning crowd.

He continued, “I told my wife I wasn’t going to do this ’cause I didn’t want to see that for the next three or four years. But that is what Kobe Bryant does to me.”

Jordan’s speech ended with an assuring message about his big brother bond with Kobe, deeming the late basketball player as his “little brother.”

“I promise you from this day forward I will live with the memories knowing that I had a little brother that I tried to help in every way I could. Please, rest in peace, little brother.”

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