The National Basketball Association has decided to postpone the game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers, which was to be played at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Tuesday evening. The decision was made in respect to the late Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna, who both died in a helicopter crash on Sunday in southern California. Bryant was only 41 years old and Gianna was only 13 years old.
The game will be made up. However, no date has been scheduled as of yet.
The NBA stated the decision was made to respect the Lakers organization, which was “grieving the tragic loss” of the “Lakers legend”. However, it should be pointed out that many people involved in the game of basketball who knew and did not know Bryant are also grieving. On Sunday, one person who was visibly distraught was Clippers head coach Doc Rivers.
The Lakers and Clippers are the two top teams in the Western Conference at the moment. The Lakers are at 36 wins and 10 losses, and the Clippers are at 33 wins and 14 losses. It should also be pointed out that the Lakers and Clippers have the second and third best records in the NBA respectively. Only the Milwaukee Bucks at 40 wins and six losses, are better.
The Lakers are coming off a 108-91 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday. The Clippers last game was a 112-97 victory over the Orlando Magic on Sunday.
The Clippers next game is Thursday when they host the Sacramento Kings. The Lakers next game is Friday when they host the Portland Trail Blazers. Both games are to be played at the Staples Center.
