How the NBA is Honoring Kobe Bryant in the 2020 All-Star Game
It has been a few weeks since the tragic passing of former Los Angeles Lakers great Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna in a fatal helicopter crash. Since then, there has been a steady outpouring of support, respect, and adoration towards the future first-ballot Hall of Famer that has come from all sides. The NBA has moved quite swiftly with their recognition and honoring of Bryant over the brief time that has passed. They are set to add another layer to that at the 2020 All-Star Game with some rule changes dedicated to him.
Kobe Bryant’s impact
It has been a rough last couple of weeks for the NBA community as the loss of Bryant has sent shockwaves throughout the league.
He has impacted many over the years, and even more so since he retired nearly four years ago. Bryant left a great influence on the game, including many of his peers that have left an everlasting imprint.
This situation has revealed how deep the impact he has made on not only on the league but many fans across the globe that extend into other sports and professions as he inspired many. His presence has continued to be felt around the NBA and will for years to come as his play, mentality, and approach to the game are a strong source of inspiration.
That has led to the league to yet another incredible step towards honoring Bryant with this time, it being some unique rules in place for the 2020 All-Star Game.
How the All-Star Game will honor Kobe Bryant
The loss of Bryant and his daughter among the nine others have rocked the NBA.
That has led the league to honor Bryant in different ways to continue to showcase his impact on the league. Shortly after the tragedy, the NBA announced some rule changes to this year’s All-Star game that were made in tribute to the former Lakers great.
That will begin with LeBron James wearing Bryant’s daughter’s No.2 jersey and Giannis Antetokounmpo donning No. 24 for the contest. Following the first three quarters of the game, there will be no time for the final period as the team with the higher score plus 24 points will be the benchmark of the point total that needs to be reached to win the game.
On top of that, the winning team will receive $200,000 towards their desired charity. Meanwhile, the team with the most points in each of the first three quarters of the contest will receive $100,000 in each instance that will go to their designated community organization.
The changes to this year’s All-Star Game will bring a much different feel to the event than in year’s past. It’s a touching move by the NBA that provides a great deal of respect paid towards Bryant and his family.
Kobe Bryant’s everlasting impact
The NBA has made a concerted effort to honor Bryant in every avenue possible over the last few weeks. What they have chosen to do with the 2020 All-Star Game just speaks volumes to how much he has meant to the game.
But it goes well beyond that as he inspired generations of athletes in not only the game of basketball behind his incredible performances on the court and his approach to his craft. His impact is far-reaching much more significant than many had known.
There will be many players in years to come that will have drawn a steady source of inspiration from Bryant. It’s a wound that will take time to get used to, but it has brought forth stronger respect, admiration, and gratitude towards him that will last forever.
