The Los Angeles Lakers paid tribute to late-rapper Nipsey Hussle on Thursday, April 4 ahead of their game against the Golden State Warriors at the Staples Center. Nipsey was gunned down in broad daylight outside of his clothing store in Los Angeles on Sunday, March 31. The suspect in his murder, Eric Holder, has since been arrested and charged with murder.
To honor the Crenshaw native, the Lakers played a video tribute on the scoreboard, his music during pre-game warmups, and LeBron James even sported a Nipsey Hussle t-shirt on the bench.
“Entrepreneur, rapper, and community activist Nipsey Hussle tragically passed away at the age of 33,” the announcer said as a photo of Nipsey was on the jumbotron..
“From his work within locals schools, creating business in L.A., and promoting better life choices, Nipsey had a lasting impact on bettering our entire Los Angeles community. Please join the Warriors, the Lakers, and the entire NBA family in a moment of silence for the late Nipsey Hussle.”
Here’s the tribute:
https://twitter.com/Lakers/status/1113994368279384065
And it was all about the memory of Nipsey Hussle leading up to tip-off, as you can see from footage of the Lakers making their way onto the court for pre-game warmups.
https://twitter.com/Lakers/status/1113993321335087104
The team also came together to sign a custom Nipsey Hussle Lakers jersey to be gifted.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bv3DXxenZR5/
Following the news of Nipsey’s death, LeBron was one of many celebrities to take to social media to honor the late-rapper.
“Verified Just spoke with you the other day on text bro! Telling you how proud I was of you and how I was gone get you to more Laker games next season. Been A Stand Up dude from Day 1. May you rest in PARADISE Young King,” LeBron wrote. “This one hurts big time.”
Rest in peace, Nipsey.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bvs3ASOHDPs/
