Jimmy Kimmel says he's 'grateful for the time we had' with Gigi, Kobe Bryant during Staples Center memorial

Jimmy Kimmel dedicated Monday night's broadcast of Jimmy Kimmel Live! to the memory of Kobe Bryant. Kobe was a guest on Jimmy's show 15 times.

LOS ANGELES -- Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel says at a public memorial for Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna that the world could be "grateful for the time we had with them."

An emotional Kimmel said Monday that a positive thing he found to take away from the tragedy was gratitude for the lives of the nine people killed last month in a helicopter crash and "the time we have left with each other."

Kimmel said sports is unique in that it brings together people from various backgrounds to celebrate something they all love.

Nearly the entire crowd heeded Kimmel's suggestion that they introduce themselves and shake hands and hug the people next to them. That was followed by a spontaneous chant of "Kobe."

PHOTOS: Kobe Bryant, daughter Gianna shared love of basketball

Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna Bryant attend a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Atlanta Hawks at Staples Center on November 17, 2019 in Los Angeles.none

Kobe Bryant holds his daughter, Gianna, after the Lakers defeated the Orlando Magic in Game Five of the 2009 NBA Finals on June 14, 2009 at Amway Arena in Orlando, Florida.none

Kobe Bryant and daughter Gianna Bryant watch during day 2 of the Phillips 66 National Swimming Championships at the Woollett Aquatics Center on July 26, 2018 in Irvine, California.none

Kobe Bryant is greeted by his wife, Vanessa, and daughters Natalia and Gianna, after receiving the MVP trophy during the 2008 NBA Playoffs on May 7, 2008 at Staples Center.none

Gianna Bryant and her father, former NBA player Kobe Bryant, attend the WNBA All-Star Game 2019 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center on July 27, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada.none

Kobe Bryant, wife Vanessa Bryant and daughters Natalia and Gianna celebrate the Lakers' NBA championship with Goofy at Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif.none

Kobe Bryant and daughter Gianna Maria-Onore attend his hand and footprint ceremony in Hollywood, California on February 19, 2011.none

Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna watch the first half of an NCAA college basketball game between Connecticut and Houston, Saturday, March 2, 2019, in Storrs, Conn.none

Kobe Bryant warms up with daughter Gianna Bryant during the NBA All-Star Game 2016 at the Air Canada Centre on February 14, 2016 in Toronto, Ontario.none

Kobe Bryant and daughter Gianna attend a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Dallas Mavericks at Staples Center on December 29, 2019.none

Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna on Nov. 11, 2019, at a Mamba Basketball Tournament.KABC

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Jimmy Kimmel says he's 'grateful for the time we had' with Gianna, Kobe Bryant during Staples Center memorial