Insights

He was like a brother to me.”. He did not return until Lakers forward LeBron James addressed the crowd. I grew up idolizing him. “I was a little emotional. All the time. That includes Kobe’s former teammate Trevor Ariza, who played with Bryant from 2007-2009, which culminated in the Lakers 15th NBA Championship. But this ain’t about me or any other player or fan,” Lillard said. ‘Three-Ring Circus,’ part 4: Shaq stars, Kobe sits in their first Lakers training camp In the heartbreaking video above, Ariza cries into his warm-up jacket during Usher’s rendition of Amazing Grace. LOS ANGELES — Trevor Ariza stood on the Staples Center court prior to Friday’s game. He's previously covered his alma mater SMU and the WNBA for the Dallas Morning News and high school sports for the Long Beach Press-Telegram. “It was very tough. CLICK HERE TO TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS. Ariza said before the game that he was still “numb” by Bryant’s death. The Lakers’ Kobe Bryant, left, and Trevor Ariza watch their teammates during a practice for the 2009 NBA Finals on June 5, 2009 at Staples Center. Or, contact our editors by emailing moderator@scng.com. A Pasadena native, he currently lives in the South Bay. Well drilled to provide water for Uganda village dedicated in honor of Kobe Bryant and his daughter Ariza cried into his warm-up jacket during Usher’s rendition of “Amazing Grace” and left the court shortly after, retreating to the locker room to try to compose himself. Ariza was busy helping Westchester High contend for CIF State championships when Bryant was winning his first three NBA titles, but Ariza ended up with the Lakers in November of 2007 and the two developed a relationship during his season-and-a-half with the team, which included two NBA Finals trips and the one title. Carmelo Anthony did not travel to Los Angeles for Friday’s game because of the emotional punch it took. “I think everybody goes about the grieving process their own way, whether it’s with their family or their friends,” said Stotts, who walked around L.A. Live after shootaround to take in the memorials. Blazers guard Damian Lillard, who held onto the ball for an eight-second violation following the Lakers’ 24-second shot clock penalty to start the game, spoke after shootaround about getting to know Bryant while sitting together on the bench at Lillard’s first All-Star Game. (Mark Ralston/AFP via Getty Images) But, never forgotten.”. I had to go to the back,” Ariza told The Undefeated’s Marc J. Spears. But of the Blazers, it seemed to impact Ariza the most. ‘Three-Ring Circus,’ part 3: Shaquille O’Neal chooses between the Magic and Lakers Nobody’s in more pain than them, so I think it’s important for us to understand that.” Post was not sent - check your email addresses! Ariza has not commented publicly about the death of his former teammate. “It wasn’t easy to get locked in because of everything that was going on. Carmelo Anthony, who won Olympic gold medals with Bryant in 2008 and 2012, has enjoyed a renaissance with the Blazers this year. Trevor Ariza had a special bond with the late, great Kobe Bryant. As he tried to shake whatever he was thinking from his mind, the Five Stairsteps’ lyrics rung through the arena: “Ooh child, things are gonna get easier.”. “I’m definitely glad I played,” said Ariza, who played a key role on defense and limited James to 1-of-7 shooting while guarding him Friday. There wasn’t a dry eye in Staples Center Friday night. Former Laker Trevor Ariza fights through…, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window), Former Laker Trevor Ariza fights through emotions as Kobe Bryant is honored, Well drilled to provide water for Uganda village dedicated in honor of Kobe Bryant and his daughter, ‘Three-Ring Circus,’ part 5: Kobe Bryant’s first Lakers season ends with air balls, determination, ‘Three-Ring Circus,’ part 4: Shaq stars, Kobe sits in their first Lakers training camp, ‘Three-Ring Circus,’ part 3: Shaquille O’Neal chooses between the Magic and Lakers, Kobe Bryant’s widow sues OC helicopter company, LA County sheriff, Where to eat in Orange County in 2020: A guide to the best places, Vast new reservoir in south Orange County gets its first drops of water, Disneyland adopts recommendations from county health agency after tour of theme parks, Police: Man stabs twin 9-year-old daughters to death in Placentia home before killing himself, Top 5 hot new restaurants: OC’s Best Places to Eat 2020, USA Gymnastics holds hearing on abuse allegations against Azarian coach Amanda Hensley, Southern California mortgage brokers suspected in fraudulent loan applications, Orange County schools’ response strategies for coronavirus cases begin to surface, Peek inside Mike Ness’ Floral Park home listed at $2.4 million, Despite the pandemic, 2020 marks another year of growth and change for some Southern California casinos, Top 5 Italian restaurants: OC’s Best Places to Eat 2020, Family of Black man shot by deputies in San Clemente files wrongful death claim, No NBA champion worked harder, but Lakers celebrated title without fans, Whicker: Lakers (and the NBA) were true to the man championship trophy honors, Lakers cheered as they return to L.A. as newly crowned NBA champs, Lakers, LeBron James enjoy the view from the top. GET BREAKING NEWS IN YOUR BROWSER. The fact that he was always there for me for advice, losing him is very tough.”. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. “That was a real crazy moment for me.”. We spent every day together as teammates on and off the floor, nonstop. As hard as the emotions of Friday’s pregame tribute to Bryant hit the Lakers, the visitors were not immune. ‘Three-Ring Circus,’ part 5: Kobe Bryant’s first Lakers season ends with air balls, determination Ariza wiped away tears during pregame introductions with teammates supporting him through hand slaps and hugs. Related Articles Kobe was like a brother to me, for sure. We invite you to use our commenting platform to engage in insightful conversations about issues in our community. The Trail Blazers, after all, took Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal to a seventh game in the 2000 Western Conference finals as the duo pursued what became the first of their three consecutive championships. We and our partners will store and/or access information on your device through the use of cookies and similar technologies, to display personalised ads and content, for ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. As James spoke at the end of the team’s tribute to its fallen soldier, Ariza stood with his arms crossed as if protecting himself from the moment. The former Laker, who also grew up in Los Angeles, was back on his old home court as a member of the Trail Blazers, but rather than warming up, he was transfixed by the video board. https://sports.yahoo.com/trevor-ariza-pays-tribute-kobe-152636757.html It was in that Game 7 that Bryant threw his iconic alley-oop to O’Neal, a moment that became the symbol for the three titles the Mamba and Superman won together, starting with the 2000 NBA Finals against the Indiana Pacers. Pelinka represented both Bryant and Ariza during his time as an agent. Ariza went back to the bench and hung his head briefly before he was announced as the final member of Portland’s starting five, drawing a welcoming round of applause as teammates supported him through hand slaps and hugs.

Shut Up John Bigboote, Murray State Football Schedule 2022, Haven Game Release Date, Conseil 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea, Head Of Electoral Commission Northern Ireland, Arsenal Vs Chelsea Prediction Fa Cup,