LOS ANGELES — Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle paid homage to Kobe Bryant on March 10, 2026, by walking into Crypto.com Arena wearing a classic Lakers No. 8 jersey ahead of his team’s game against Los Angeles.
Randle, the first lottery selection of the Lakers’ rebuild during Bryant’s final seasons, spent his initial four NBA years in purple and gold. His rookie campaign ended on opening night with a broken leg, but he shared the floor with Bryant throughout the 2015-16 season, the legend’s farewell tour. Randle has often cited Bryant’s influence on his approach to the game and his rehabilitation process.
The tribute night ended in favor of the home team. The Lakers’ defense held Minnesota to 14 points below Randle’s jersey number, securing a 14-point victory and completing a season sweep. Randle finished with 14 points, still tops for the Timberwolves.
While Bryant’s memory was front and center in Los Angeles, his name also echoed across the league after Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo eclipsed Bryant’s famous 81-point performance by scoring 83 against the Washington Wizards earlier in the evening.
Even in defeat, Randle’s pregame gesture underscored the continued impact of Bryant’s legacy on players who once shared his locker room and on a league that still measures greatness against his achievements.
Source: Lakers Nation
