NBA Finals: LeBron James and Los Angeles Lakers ‘thinking about Bryant family’ with Black Mamba jerseys
- Los Angeles beat injury hit Miami 124-114 with James and Davis combing for 63 points to take 2-0 series lead
- ‘Hopefully we’re making them proud by wearing these uniforms tonight,’ James says of Black Mamba jerseys to honour Bryant
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James paid further tribute to his former teammate Kobe Bryant after the franchise went 2-0 up against the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals.
“Well it’s always special to be able to represent someone that meant so much” he told ESPN’s Rachel Nichols in his postgame interview, “Not only to the game but obviously to the Lakers organisation for 20-plus years and for us to honour him being on the floor, this is what it’s all about.
“We’re thinking about the Bryant family,’ said James, “Vanessa and them daughters. They’re with us, we’re with you guys. We love you guys and hopefully we’re making them proud by wearing these uniforms tonight and throughout the course of the postseason.
The Lakers have worn special Black Mamba jerseys during certain play-off games to honour Bryant, who was killed in a helicopter crash in January, starting with their first round game four against the Portland Trail Blazers. The Lakers won that 135-115.
They are unbeaten while wearing the jerseys, which continued with the 124-114 win over an injury ravaged Heat.