The retired jerseys of late Los Angeles Lakers Kobe Bryant hang above the Staples Center arena prior to their first game — and first home game — since the Jan. 26 death of the team’s legend at just 41-years-old. The match against the Portland Trailblazers on Jan. 31 promised to be an emotional night, filled with heartache, but also a celebration of his life and what Kobe meant to the Lakers, all of Los Angeles, the NBA and the world in general.

Following Kobe’s sudden and tragic death, the team’s leader LeBron James vowed to keep the Lakers going through their immeasurable grief. ‘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 sh*t on my back and keep it going!! Please give me the strength from the heavens above and watch over me! I got US here!’ LeBron wrote in a Jan. 28 Instagram tribute.

Kobe was killed in a helicopter crash on Jan. 26 along with his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven others. He wore number 8 during the first half of his Lakers career when he helped the team win three championships. and number 24 in the second half when he won two more. The numbers were retired in 2017.