Getty
IRVINE, CA – JULY 26: Kobe Bryant and daughter Gianna Bryant watch during day 2 of the Phillips 66 National Swimming Championships at the Woollett Aquatics Center on July 26, 2018 in Irvine, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Getty
IRVINE, CA – JULY 26: Kobe Bryant and daughter Gianna Bryant watch during day 2 of the Phillips 66 National Swimming Championships at the Woollett Aquatics Center on July 26, 2018 in Irvine, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Lakers franchise has witnessed many prolific players in their history, one of the biggest being the late great Kobe Bryant. Kobe won five NBA titles with the Lakers in his 20-season-long career. As a mark of respect to the legend, the franchise retired his iconic jersey numbers 8 and 24. However, a new Lakers player impressed the fans with his special tribute to the 18x NBA All-Star and his daughter Gianna Bryant. Reacting to the tribute, NBA fans flooded the comments section on Twitter with their thoughts.
Watch What’s Trending Now!
The Lakers recently traded Kendrick Nunn for the Washington Wizards‘ Rui Hachimura ahead of the trade deadline. The Japanese star has had an impressive season averaging 13 points in 34 games. Even though he adds offensive strength to the team with his stats, he further impressed fans with a special ode to the ‘Black Mamba’ and Gigi.
Hachimura’s unique dedication to Kobe Bryant and Gianna
Kobe Bryant could arguably be the greatest player of the game, and Rui Hachimura decided to pay tribute to the legend with his jersey number. He picked Gianna’s jersey number 2, and Bryant’s old jersey number 8 which eventually translated to 28. Furthermore, NBA Central shared Hachimura’s tribute on Twitter, triggering a flurry of tweets from the fans.
One user said, “this is crazy.” The Japanese star’s ode helped him become a new fan favorite for Lakers fans.
Following are some reactions from NBA Twitter:
I couldn’t think of a better reason! 🙏🏾🙏🏾
— D’Courtland Christian (DC) (@Dcrealspill) January 31, 2023
Rui just became a fan favorite
— Leb 🦋 (@PlayboiLeb) January 31, 2023
Bro copied his whole flow pic.twitter.com/v3YHT8Sird
— GOAT.Ron🐏 (@MrRMolina54) February 1, 2023
Its a sweet gesture yall dnt read 2 much into it.. if he becomes a legend good on him if not then I think that # combo shud continue to be used on future Laker prospects with the same kindness intended
— Tim Pippen (@ReddyMadeAllen) January 31, 2023
I see him as a future leader / team captain for LAL and steer them back as a contender unlike some who only care about personal records and stats
— Raffy Ortega (@OrtegaRaffy) February 1, 2023
Is that why hes been playing good lol makes sense now
— Shake and Bake (@Kembacrossover) February 1, 2023
this is crazy 😂😂😂😂😂 https://t.co/1cSapyF1hQ
— marvin (@N1SantanFan) February 1, 2023
Notably, Hachimura played in the game against the New York Knicks on Tuesday night. He scored 19 points with 9 rebounds in 40 minutes, helping the Lakers to seal the game 123-129.
Lakers star may be upset with Hachimura trade
Lakers point guard Dennis Schroder didn’t seem happy with the new trade as he expressed his thoughts on a live stream. Dennis Schroder exclaimed in surprise that the team traded Kendrick Nunn.
Dennis Schroder found out about the Rui Hachimura-Kendrick Nunn trade live on his stream 😬 pic.twitter.com/dalbupWtjO
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) January 24, 2023
He said, “Wait, for Kendrick Nunn?”. Shortly after, Schroder messaged Nunn and said, “It’s crazy man. NBA is a business. Insane.” However, the new addition could possibly help the franchise as they struggle in 13th place in the Western Conference with a 24-28 record.
Watch This Story – Kobe Bryant, Dwight Howard – All The Coaches And Players Shaquille O’Neal Had Feuds With
What do you make of Rui Hachimura’s tribute? Let us know in the comments below.
Written by
Edited by
Veer Badani