Spike Lee’s Kobe Bryant tribute: A purple and gold suit

Oscar presenter and basketball fan Spike Lee turned up at the 92nd Academy Awards red carpet in a Lakers-inspired purple suit with gold trim and the numbers “2” and “4” outlined in gold on its lapels. The suit also sported a gold 24 on its back.

Spike Lee arriving at the 92nd Academy Awards.

(Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

The look was an homage to Los Angeles Lakers great Kobe Bryant, one of nine people who died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, Calif., on Jan. 26. The Oscars will honor Bryant this evening.

It was the second year in a row that Spike Lee wore a purple suit in tribute to a legend. When he won the award for best director in 2019 for “BlacKkKlansman,” he wore purple in homage to the singer Prince.

Spike Lee arriving at the 92nd Academy Awards.

(Al Seib/Los Angeles Times)

Spike Lee and Billy Porter on red carpet at the 92nd Academy Awards.

(Al Seib/Los Angeles Times)

Tonya Lewis Lee and Spike Lee arriving at the 92nd Academy Awards.

(Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

Tonya Lewis Lee, left, and Spike Lee, center, arriving at the 92nd Academy Awards.

(Al Seib/Los Angeles Times)