Before the Los Angeles Lakers and the Sacramento Kings played a preseason game in Las Vegas Sunday evening, Lakers President of Basketball operations, Magic Johnson addressed the crowd and gave an incredibly moving speech.
Johnson expressed his gratitude to the first responders who rushed to help those injured during the October 1 attack. The former Laker great also led a moment of silence for the victims who lost their lives and their families.
Magic Johnson addresses the crowd before tonight's game, and leads a moment of silence. #VegasStrong pic.twitter.com/I5biYqvy0F
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) October 9, 2017
Earlier in the week, both Los Angeles and Sacramento pledged that they will donate the proceeds from the game to the families of the victims of the shootings.
The teams released a joint statement announcing their plans,
The Los Angeles Lakers organization announced today that, along with the Sacramento Kings, T-Mobile Arena, AEG, and MGM Resorts International, it will donate the proceeds from Sunday night’s preseason game vs. Sacramento in Las Vegas to aid those affected by the tragic incident on October 1.
The donation will be made through the MGM Resorts Foundation and all of the money raised will go directly to benefit victims, their families, and first responders. More information about the Foundation can be found at https://www.mgmresortsfoundation.org.
The Lakers have played preseason games in Las Vegas for almost three decades. “Our thoughts are with all those affected by this evil and senseless crime,” said Lakers governor and controlling owner Jeanie Buss. “While no one can erase the horrific actions of last Sunday, we are committed to doing everything we can to help the people of Las Vegas who were affected by this tragedy.”
“To say we are united in grief does not fully convey the sadness we feel as we offer our deepest sympathies and support to those impacted,” said Sacramento Kings Owner and Chairman Vivek Ranadivé. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims, their families and everyone enduring this heartbreaking tragedy. Together we will remain Vegas strong.”
Last week, tragedy struck Las Vegas in the form of a mass shooting that took the lives of over 50 people. It’s pretty remarkable to see the NBA reach out affect lives like this.
