KEY POINTS

  • Bill Russell was wearing Kobe Bryant’s jersey no. 24
  • He said that he and Kobe had a deep connection by just looking at their jersey numbers
  • The last time he watched a Lakers-Celtics game was when he awarded Kobe the Finals MVP trophy

Bill Russell paid tribute to friend Kobe Bryant as he arrived at Staples Center wearing Kobe Bryant’s Lakers threads as they face Boston Celtics.

Out of a dozen times, the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers have faced each other for the title, there’s no love lost between two legendary franchises as superstars from both teams exchange praises before the Kobe Bryant memorial.

The former Lakers’ President of Basketball Operations said in his tribute that it was the Celtics’ legend Bill Russell who pushed him to win the titles that he’s had in his career according to ClutchPoints reports. The 60-year old point guard had won five NBA championships with the Los Angeles Lakers during the 1980s — 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988.

During his 13-season tenure with the purple and gold from 1979-1991 and a return in 1996, he was named the league MVP three times in 1980, 1982, and 1987 and his no. 32 was brought up to the rafters in 1992.

In return, Russell will be in attendance as Boston faced Los Angeles just hours before the scheduled Kobe Bryant memorial inside the Staples Center. The Celtics legend was seen wearing a light Lakers jersey carrying Kobe’s no. 24 as a tribute to the future Hall of Famer. His appearance in the match-up for the ages was his first since 2010 when both teams squared up in the NBA Finals where the Kobe-led Lakers beat the Celtics, 83-79, according to an NBA article.

On his Twitter account, Russell said that him wearing the Lakers’ for today is a way of him to honor god friend Kobe and daughter Gianna. He also pulled off a number riddle on his sleeve, saying that he and Kobe had a deeper connection as the numbers 2 and 4 when added is 6, which is his own jersey number.

Boston players were wearing a purple forearm band during the game as a way to honor their rival’s star and there’s also an option for them to stay in the arena so they can be part of the memorial for Kobe.

The Lakers survived a nail-biting 114-112 victory over the Celtics as Anthony Davis and LeBron James combined for 61 points to overcome 41 points from Jayson Tatum, who is a Kobe Bryant fan himself.

Bill Russell
Boston Celtics Hall of Famer Bill Russell played in more than his fair share of Game Sevens. Reuters
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