“When Kobe Bryant Died, a Piece of Me Died”: Michael Jordan Gets Tearful Recalling Bryant

The crying Michael Jordan meme could get a new face after Monday’s memorial service at the Staples Center. Jordan became tearful as he was paying tribute to Kobe Bryant.

Both Jordan and Bryant are regarded as one of the best players to have played the game of basketball. When Bryant made his NBA debut in 1996, Jordan was already a superstar who had just led the Chicago Bulls to a fourth NBA Championship. Bryant himself became superstar not long after his NBA debut.

Although Bryant and Jordan were fierce competitors on the court, they had developed a strong bond off the court.

“When Kobe Bryant died, a piece of me died, and as I look in this arena, across the globe, a piece of you died,” Jordan said with tears coming out of his eyes, talking at the memorial service on Monday. “I promise you, from this day forward, I will live with the memories and knowing that I had a little brother.”

“I tried to help in every way I could. Please rest in peace, little brother.”

Kobe Bryant and Gigi very close to each other, says Vannessa Bryant

Before Jordan’s speech at Monday’s memorial service, Kobe’s wife Vannessa Bryant had initially graced the stage.

In a long and emotional speech, Vannessa initially thanked everyone for their condolences. She later talked about Gigi and the relationship Kobe and she had.

“Her smile was like sunshine,” she said. “Her smile took up her entire face. Like me. Kobe always said she was like me. She had my fire, my personality, and sarcasm. She was tender and loving on the inside, she had the best laugh. It was infectious. It was pure and genuine.”

“God knew they couldn’t be on this earth without each other,” she said. “He had to bring them home to have them together. Babe, you take care of our Gigi.”

Among others that spoke at the Memorial service was Hall of Famer and Bryant’s former teammate Shaquille O’Neal.