NBA All-Star Celebrity Game Honors Kobe Bryant With A Moment Of Silence Before Tip-Off

Gettyimages | Stacy Revere

It's the NBA All-Star weekend, and thing got started Friday night with the annual Celebrity All-Star Game. But before the fun tipped off, everyone took time to remember Kobe and Gianna Bryant.

The team coaches Stephen A. Smith and Michael Wilbon spoke about Kobe and also the late NBA commissioner David Stern before the game. That was followed by a 24.2 second moment of silence -- 24 being Kobe's number and 2 being Gianna's.

Afterwards, a "Kobe" chant broke out in the crowd.

LeBron James, who is the captain of the West All-Star Team, previously remember his friend Kobe before the Lakers' first game back at the Staples Center following the tragic helicopter crash on January 26.

I look at this as a celebration tonight," James said. "This is a celebration of the 20 years of the blood, the sweat, the tears, the broken down body...the determination to be as great as he could be. Tonight we celebrate the kid that came here at 18 years of age, retired at 38 and became probably the best dad that we've seen over the last three years. Tonight is a celebration."

"Kobe is a brother to me," James continued. "From the time I was in high school watching him from afar, to getting in this league at 18 and watching him up close, all the battles that we had throughout my career, the one thing that we always shared was that determination to just want to win, to just want to be great. The fact that I'm here now means so much to me. I want to continue, along with my teammates, his legacy. Not only for this year, but for as long as we can play this game of basketball that we love, because that's what Kobe Bryant would want. So in the words of Kobe Bryant, 'Mamba out.' But in the words of us, not forgotten. Live on, brother."

Earlier this week, Kobe's wife Vanessa updated fans on her struggles to cope with the tragedy in an Instagram post.

I’ve been reluctant to put my feelings into words. My brain refuses to accept that both Kobe and Gigi are gone. I can’t process both at the same time. It’s like I’m trying to process Kobe being gone but my body refuses to accept my Gigi will never come back to me. It feels wrong. Why should I be able to wake up another day when my baby girl isn’t being able to have that opportunity?! I’m so mad. She had so much life to live. Then I realize I need to be strong and be here for my 3 daughters. Mad I’m not with Kobe and Gigi but thankful I’m here with Natalia, Bianka and Capri. I know what I’m feeling is normal. It’s part of the grieving process. I just wanted to share in case there’s anyone out there that’s experienced a loss like this. God I wish they were here and this nightmare would be over. Praying for all of the victims of this horrible tragedy. Please continue to pray for all.