It’s been nearly one year since Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant died in a tragic helicopter crash alongside his daughter, Gianna, and seven others. LeBron James and Anthony Davis are still struggling to process his death.
After defeating the Chicago Bulls 101-90 on Saturday night, James and Davis took time to reflect on Bryant’s death. James specifically said he’s still taking time to heal.
“Man, it’s a saying that time heals all,” James said, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. “And as devastating and as tragic as it was and still is to all of us involved with it, only time. And it takes time. Everyone has their own grieving process.”
Davis echoed James’ thoughts, saying he’s still having trouble with Bryant’s death.
“As we approach his one-year anniversary, it saddens our hearts to actually come to the realization that he’s gone,” Davis said. “I know I still have trouble with it, you still just can’t believe it.”
James added that he tries not to dwell on Bryant’s death because it’s “too dark.” Marc Gasol, whose older brother, Pau, played alongside Bryant, admitted that he’s still not comfortable talking about the legend’s death.
According to McMenamin, the Lakers don’t plan to formally pay tribute to Bryant this week with emotions heightened due to the one-year anniversary of his death. If they did, it would cause more pain than healing.
The team will continue to pay tribute to Bryant in subtle ways. For instance, James will continue to wear his No. 24 finger sleeve and players will still wear Bryant’s signature sneakers.
