LOS ANGELES (RNS) — All Romell Witherspoon can do is pray and reflect as he prepares for this weekend’s game at Staples Center between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Portland Trail Blazers.
On Friday night (Jan. 31), Witherspoon will be stepping into the downtown Los Angeles arena that fans refer to as “The House that Kobe Built.”
For the past three years, Witherspoon has spiritually guided NBA players as the chaplain for the Lakers. Using Scripture, he helps the team as well as opposing players mentally prepare before home games at Staples.
But this time he knows it will be different.
It’s been nearly a week since Kobe Bryant; his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna; and seven others died Sunday morning in a helicopter crash in the hills above Calabasas, California.
“This is not something that anybody has practice in,” said Witherspoon, 33. “This is a different level, if you will, because the way he (Bryant) impacted each individual personally is different.
“What I often say is that the presence of trouble does not destroy the potential of triumph,” Witherspoon added. “I think that when you’re in it, it’s very difficult to see the light of day. That’s where my job becomes so important.”
The tributes for Bryant have been pouring in. Outside Staples Center, fans in purple and gold have knelt in tears, shot basketballs into makeshift hoops and in unison have chanted…
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