Chicago: Hall of Famer Magic Johnson, award-winning singer and actress Jennifer Hudson and Chicago rapper Common turned in an emotional tribute to late Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna on Sunday at the NBA All-Star Game in Chicago's United Center. Before the game tipped off, Magic Johnson made an emotional speech to honour Bryant and also paid tribute to late NBA commissioner David Stern.

"We'll never see another basketball player quite like Kobe," said Johnson. "Scoring 81 points in one game. Scoring 60 points in his last game. And then winning five NBA championships... He was also passionate about being a great father, husband, filmmaker. Young man won an Oscar. So we all are hurting. This is a tough time for the whole NBA family."

Icon Magic Johnson then introduced Chicagoan Jennifer Hudson to the stage, who sang “For All We Know” just before the game as some beautiful pictures of Bryant and his daughter Gianna flashed on a screen behind her.

Common dedicated a rap to Lakers Legend Bryant, before he handled the introductions of the players. "A king named Kobe Bryant," Common rapped. "Even in the darkest times, you'll feel Kobe's light."

Kawhi Leonard thanked the late Kobe Bryant upon winning the first-ever Kia NBA All-Star Game Kobe Bryant MVP Award.


Chicagoan Rapper Chance also paid tribute to late Kobe and his daughter Gianna during his halftime performance.

The 41-year-old Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna were among nine people killed in the January 26 helicopter crash in the Santa Monica Mountains west of Los Angeles. Multiple reports suggested that the chopper was flying under cloudy conditions.