How Los Angeles Lakers Players Are Honoring Kobe Bryant During Their Practice Sessions Inside NBA’s Orlando Bubble

Los Angeles Lakers lost one of the greatest players in the history of their franchise earlier this year. Kobe Bryant’s untimely passing rocked the basketball world and deeply affected the team he played for during his entire career. Kobe was at Lakers games throughout the year, trash-talking opponents and rooting for his team. He had a strong influence on the new Lakers team this year. His greatest influence was on LeBron James, a player Kobe considered a younger brother. One of his best friends and former agent, Rob Pelinka, is President of Basketball Operations for the team.

Considering how deep the Kobe connections went this year, the Lakers will try to win this year to honor Kobe. The traditions are already being put in place, according to Taylor Rooks of Bleacher Report.

The Lakers are ending practices with the chant ‘1-2-3 Mamba!’ to honor the late legend. Kobe’s nickname was the Black Mamba. People often reffered to his “Mamba Mentality” when talking about his superior work ethic.

Los Angeles Lakers winning it for Kobe?

The Lakers are the favorites to win the title this year for multiple reasons. First, they are leading in the incredibly tough Western conference. Second, they have two of the top 5 players in the league. LeBron James and Anthony Davis are averaging over 50 points between them this season.

The team has a strong supporting cast of veterans around their two superstars. Danny Green is a known playoff competitor and Dwight Howard, JaVale McGee, and J. R. Smith have made deep playoff runs before. Meanwhile, they also have Rajon Rondo, who is currently injured. Rondo is expected to return by the end of the first round of the playoffs, as his hand injury will take 5-8 weeks to heal.

The Lakers have the ultimate motivation to win the title because they are doing it for Kobe and his 14-year-old daughter Gigi Bryant. Kobe’s loss was immense to not only the Lakers, but everyone in the basketball world. It is good to see the team that he won 5 Championships with honor him in their practices.