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Nipsey Hussle: His Impact on the LA Clippers & Surrounding Community

By Kenneth Hawkes

LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 9: Nipsey Hussle performs during halftime of the game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and LA Clippers on March 9, 2018 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 9: Nipsey Hussle performs during halftime of the game between the Cleveland Cavaliers and LA Clippers on March 9, 2018 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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On March 31st, 2019, Nipsey Hussle passed away. His impact on the community had a profound effect on not just LA Clippers players, but entire city.

On March 31st, 2019, the rap industry lost an icon. Nipsey Hussle was shot dead outside of his clothing store in Los Angeles, California. He was thirty-three years old. This sent a shock through the NBA community. The LA Clippers had their regular season game against the Memphis Grizzlies and before the game the team played a tribute video remembering the important legacy Nipsey left behind. The locker-room was tense after the game in mourning, showing just how much he meant to those who knew him.

It is apparent that Nipsey Hussle was a positive light that illuminated a dark abyss in today’s world. He used his platform for spreading unity within Los Angeles. He continually preached a message that will forever be engraved in stone.

While many NBA players were friends with him, the Clippers players took Hussle’s death particularly hard. Both Lou Williams and Montrezl Harrell were close with Nipsey. In fact, Harrell was the one who requested Nipsey to be honored for that day’s game. Harrell took the news of his death deeply. It hit home. His relationship with Hussle sparked a commitment to spread a message of stopping gang violence, preaching the message that needs to be preached in today’s Los Angeles culture, the way it was conveyed was through a perfect platform and Harrell appreciated it greatly.

After the game, it was revealed that both Trezz and Lou had custom jerseys made in his honor. Lou also had writing on his game shoes, in honor of the fallen rapper.

Now, spreading Nipsey’s message is our task. As NBA fans, as leaders in our community and those who live in Los Angeles, we must realize that Hussle was a unifying icon who loved for the lively people of Los Angeles. He flourished because he gave back. In addition, he performed at the Clippers halftime shows many times. He was always a must see. The way he held himself was professional.

Hussle’s death won’t be forgotten any time soon. Many players around the league have been speaking out about his impact and just how unfortunate this death truly was.

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Nipsey Hussle was more than just a rapper, he was a catalyst for the beginning of a movement.

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