WATCH: Cleveland Cavaliers Pay Touching Tribute to Kobe Bryant before LA Lakers Game

Ahead of their game with the Los Angeles Lakers, the Cleveland Cavaliers showed their class with a touching gesture. They aired a tribute video package to Lakers’ legend Kobe Bryant on the eve of the anniversary of the tragic accident in which several lives were lost, including Kobe and his daughter Gigi.

Cavaliers share beautiful tribute for the Black Mamba

The Cavaliers showed pictures and videos from some of Kobe’s greatest performances, including those against the Lakers. It was a beautiful act from the organization, especially given they were playing against the LA Lakers, Kobe’s only team in his career. Their tribute will be one of many pouring in, as the NBA and the world remember the Black Mamba.

Kobe was an iconic player during his time in the NBA. After the retirement of Michael Jackson, Kobe became the de facto face of the NBA. Under the tutelage of legendary coach Phil Jackson, Bryant won three consecutive NBA championships. He and NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal formed a lethal team.

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After the departure of Shaq, Kobe struggled for a long time before he found success again. Eventually, he found a new star teammate in Pau Gasol. Together, the duo led the Lakers to three consecutive NBA finals, winning two NBA championships in 2009 and 2010. For his performances, Kobe was awarded the finals MVP in both championship wins.

Kobe Bryant was the face of the NBA

In addition to all this, Kobe was also a former league MVP and a multiple-time All-Star. After years of injuries and poor performances from the Lakers, Kobe eventually called time on his legendary career in 2016. He had a career that spanned for 20 years and saw both his numbers retired by the Los Angeles Lakers.

Kobe was one of the all-time greats. No one could deny Bryant when he wanted to get the win. Fans fondly remember his 81-point game in 2006, the highest number of points scored by any player in the modern era since Wilt Chamberlain. Kobe has the second-highest number of points scored by an individual in history.

READ MORE: “She Came to Watch Me Play for the First Time”: When Kobe Bryant Scored a Whopping 81 Points to Impress His Grandma

Kobe will never be forgotten in the NBA. His legacy is driven forward by those who grew up inspired by him and now play in the NBA. Kobe was the hero for so many players playing today, and they do everything in their power to continue to play like him.