News | Entertainment
5 Mar 2026 11:45
NZCity News
NZCity CalculatorReturn to NZCity

  • Start Page
  • Personalise
  • Sport
  • Weather
  • Finance
  • Shopping
  • Jobs
  • Horoscopes
  • Lotto Results
  • Photo Gallery
  • Site Gallery
  • TVNow
  • Dating
  • SearchNZ
  • NZSearch
  • Crime.co.nz
  • RugbyLeague
  • Make Home
  • About NZCity
  • Contact NZCity
  • Your Privacy
  • Advertising
  • Login
  • Join for Free

  •   Home > News > Entertainment

    Shaquille O'Neal isn't sure what role he'll play in Kobe Bryant's memorial

    The late basketball legend and his daughter Gianna - who were among nine people who lost their lives in a tragic helicopter crash last month - will both be remembered in a public memorial at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles on February 24, and Shaq expects to be in attendance to pay tribute to his friend


    He told Extra: "I haven't talked to anybody yet, but I'm sure I will be there."

    The 47-year-old retired basketball player admitted he is struggling to cope with Kobe's passing.

    He said: "I'm not doing good."

    Tickets to the memorial - which go on sale today (19.02.20) - are priced at either $224 or $24.02, with proceeds benefiting the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation, which was set up by Kobe and was previously known as the Mamba Sports Foundation before his widow Vanessa Bryant altered the name to honour Gianna as well as Kobe.

    The recurrence of the numbers 2 and 24 comes as Kobe wore a number 24 jersey for most of his career with the LA Lakers, and Gianna wore jersey number 2 at the Mamba Sports Academy.

    It was previously reported that the public memorial will begin at 10am on February 24, and organisers have already allocated tickets to a large number of invited guests made up of family members, friends, celebrities, and current and former stars from the NBA.

    The event will also honour the other seven people who lost their lives in the crash, John Altobelli, Keri Altobelli, Alyssa Altobelli, Sarah Chester, Payton Chester, Christina Mauser, and pilot Ara Zobayan.

    The memorial will be televised, and there are reportedly no plans for a procession or other events outside of Staples Centre.

    LA Mayor Eric Garcetti confirmed plans for the memorial last month, when he said: "There will absolutely be a memorial to mark the contributions of this incredible man and not only him, but to commemorate the loss of his daughter and all the other families that were there."

    © 2026 Bang Showbiz, NZCity

     Other Entertainment News
     05 Mar: Cillian Murphy thinks he is "an incredibly average person"
     05 Mar: Selena Gomez was in tears in the days leading up to her wedding after losing her handwritten vows
     05 Mar: Thomas Rhett has become a father for the fifth time
     05 Mar: Robert Carradine's death has been ruled a suicide following his passing earlier this week
     05 Mar: Neil Sedaka has died at the age of 86
     05 Mar: Neil Sedaka has reportedly been hospitalised after apparently falling ill at his home
     05 Mar: Pink is said to have moved to New York and is said to be in the running to take over Kelly Clarkson's NBC talk show
     Top Stories

    RUGBY RUGBY
    A PR expert says the All Blacks coaching announcement will allow the brand, as well as the team, to focus on the future More...


    BUSINESS BUSINESS
    The Trade Minister's staying cautious - even as exports surge More...



     Today's News

    Cricket:
    To the Black Caps' performance in the opening semi-final at cricket's T20 World Cup 11:37

    Entertainment:
    Cillian Murphy thinks he is "an incredibly average person" 11:35

    Living & Travel:
    What you need to know about Iran today, with Laura Tingle 11:17

    International:
    Seasonal produce to make the most of in March 11:07

    Law and Order:
    A 35-year-old man is appearing in Hamilton District Court today accused of assault 11:07

    Entertainment:
    Selena Gomez was in tears in the days leading up to her wedding after losing her handwritten vows 11:05

    Auckland:
    Police are investigating an overnight fire in Auckland's Otahuhu - which has left one person dead 10:47

    Entertainment:
    Thomas Rhett has become a father for the fifth time 10:35

    Rugby League:
    Warriors league coach Andrew Webster is adamant Mitch Barnett will be motivated to finish at the club on a high 10:27

    Politics:
    Why is Donald Trump threatening to end all US trade with Spain? 10:17


     News Search






    Power Search


    © 2026 New Zealand City Ltd