Photo: Mark J. Terrill/AP
With heavy hearts, theLos Angeles Lakershave returned to the court.
Three days after retired Lakers superstarKobe Bryantand his 13-year-old daughterGiannadied in a helicopter crash that alsoclaimed the lives of seven other people, his former team gathered for practice at their facility in El Segundo, California, for the first time.
“The game will berescheduled at a later date,” the statement added.
Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
From L to R: Frank Vogel, LeBron James and Anthony Davis.Mark J. Terrill/AP
Los Angeles Lakers’ first practice since Kobe Bryant’s death.Mark J. Terrill/AP
Mark J. Terrill/AP
“For those who are inspired to continue Kobe and Gianna’s legacy in youth sports, please visitMambaSportsFoundation.org,” the statement concluded.
RELATED VIDEO: Shaquille O’Neal and Dwyane Wade Struggle to Hold Back Tears as They Remember Kobe Bryant
Vogel recalled pulling aside each player on his team during a flight from Philadelphia to Los Angeles to inform them of Bryant’s death.
“Some of them had seen the reports and some had not,” he remembered. “It was a daunting task of grabbing each guy one-on-one and letting them know.”
Instead of practicing, the Lakers gathered that dayfor some “therapeutically beneficial” teamwork. “I wanted our guys to come in mentally free,” Vogel said. “But to just sweat, touch the ball, to be around each other and then we had a lunch where we all spent time together and grieved together.”
“It’s just strengthened what we’ve felt all year about our current group,” the coach continued. “We’ve become a family in a very short time. It’s something you talk about in the NBA with your teams. But this group in particular has really grown to love each other very rapidly. Weunderstand the importance and the opportunitythat we have this year. This has just brought us closer together.”
Nathaniel S. Butler/Getty Images
Lenny Ignelzi/AP/Shutterstock
James, 35, broke his silence on social media Monday in tribute of Bryant, beginning his heartfelt post with, “I’m Not Ready but here I go. Man I sitting here tryingto write something for this postbut every time I try I begin crying again just thinking about you, niece Gigi and the friendship/bond/brotherhood we had!”
“I literally just heard your voice Sunday morning before I left Philly to head back to LA. Didn’t think for one bit in a million years that would be the last conversation we’d have. WTF!!” the father of threerevealed in his caption, which he presented alongside a photo series of himself and Bryant. “I’m heartbroken and devastated my brother!! ?????. Man I love you big bro. My heart goes to Vanessa and the kids.”
“I promise you I’ll continue your legacy man! You mean so much to us all here especially#LakerNation?? and it’s my responsibility to put this s— on my back and keep it going!! Please give me the strength from the heavens above and watch over me! I got US here! There’s so much more I want to say but just can’t right now because I can’t get through it! Until we meet again my brother!!#Mamba4Life❤️??#Gigi4Life❤️??,” James concluded.
source: people.com
