Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti has announced that the city is planning a memorial for Kobe Byrant, saying that “the city is broken.”
Bryant’s death this past Sunday sparked mourning across the world, particularly in L.A., where he spent his twenty-year career playing for the Lakers. Thousands of mourners have retreated to the Staples Center to bring flowers and memorabilia to show their respect to the NBA star who succumbed to a tragic helicopter accident. The city has also lowered flags to half staff.
“There will absolutely be a memorial to mark the contributions of this incredible man and not only him, but to commemorate the loss of his daughter and all the other families that were there,” Garcetti confirmed on Thursday. “We don’t have that date finalized, but we’ve been talking everyday to the Lakers, and most importantly, to [Bryant’s widow, Vanessa] as well.”
While there have been rumors of Bryant’s funeral taking place in the Staples Center, the same location that hosted Nipsey Hussle’s and Michael Jackson’s funeral, official plans for the service have not been released. However, Garcetti says that the city of Los Angeles is ready to step in and assist in any way for what is sure to be a memorial service of monumental proportions.
“We really want to listen to Vanessa, to the Lakers, and make sure that we have a chance and the right way to mourn together, as people have been doing spontaneously out on the streets in the next day or two. Laying him to rest will be something which we are here, ready to help support the family; however, wherever and whenever.”
