Kobe Bryant And Gianna Memorial, Thousands To Pack Staples Center

11:58 AM PT — Kobe’s longtime agent, Lakers GM Rob Pelinka, just gave a heartfelt speech about his best friend, and actually made a pretty stunning revelation … KB was actually texting him from the chopper before he and the rest of the passengers perished.

Rob says Kobe was asking if Rob knew a baseball agent in Southern California who might be able to help a friend’s daughter get an internship with a team. That kid, as it turned out, was Lexi Altobelli — the surviving daughter of the Altobelli family. Her father, John, mother Keri and sister Alyssa, were three of the 9 people total who were killed.

He made it clear one of Kobe’s final acts on this Earth was attempting to help someone achieve something great, and he only had others’ best interest at heart up until the end.

11:11 AM PT — Vanessa Bryant just gave an incredible speech — remembering Gianna as an amazing daughter who would have changed the landscape of womens pro sports in America.

Vanessa says Gianna was laser-focused on making the WNBA and being the best player in league history.

She also remembered Kobe as a loving father and devoted husband who took pride in doing all of his daddy duties after his NBA career wrapped up.

After her speech, Michael Jordan helped walk her off the stage while the crowd gave her a passionate standing ovation.

10:45 AM PT — Jimmy Kimmel is making the opening remarks at the memorial — fighting back tears while remembering his friend.

10:33 AM PT — Beyonce sang the opening number at the Kobe tribute .. performing her song, “XO.” She followed that up with “Halo.” It’s a very emotional scene at Staples.

10:28 AM PT — The stars have begun to arrive to the memorial … Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, Kris Jenner, Dwyane Wade, Gabrielle Union, Magic Johnson and others are on hand. As are Michael Phelps, Alex Rodriguez, Jennifer Lopez, Kyrie Irving, Steph Curry and more.

6:33 AM PT — Michael Jordan is in town — clearly here to honor Kobe at Monday’s memorial — and on Sunday night, he had dinner with fellow NBA legend Jerry West at Craig’s in L.A.

No word as to what role MJ will have at the memorial — but his friendship/competitive rivalry with Kobe was legendary. MJ was Kobe’s idol growing up — and the two grew to be close friends.

When Kobe passed away, Jordan said, “I loved Kobe — he was like a little brother to me. We used to talk often, and I will miss those conversations very much.”