Kobe Bryant tributes, LeBron James’ revenge, quarterly grades, All-Star Game update, trade rumors: NBA news and notes Updated Jan 26, 2021; Posted Jan 26, 2021 Kobe Bryant waves goodbye to the Portland crowd. The Portland Trailblazers play the Los Angeles Lakers at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon, Saturday, January 23, 2016. Thomas Boyd/Staff LC- StaffLC- Staff Facebook Share It is an emotional day across the NBA, as players and coaches join basketball fans around the world in remembering the legacy and career of Kobe Bryant on the one-year anniversary of his stunning and sad death. The Portland Trail Blazers were forced to cope with the tragedy on the court one year ago today, when they hosted the Indiana Pacers at the Moda Center. The Blazers beat the Pacers 139-129, and while I don’t remember one detail about the game that night, I vividly recall the postgame locker room, where you could feel the pain and sadness as Carmelo Anthony fought back tears, Trevor Ariza grew too emotional to speak and Damian Lillard praised an icon universally respected around the league.