Thousands have gathered at a public memorial in Los Angeles to honour the life of Kobe and Gianna Bryant after they were killed in a helicopter crash.

The sold-out memorial service was held at the Staple Centre, which is home to the Los Angeles Lakers, and is known as the "house that Kobe built".

Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna and six others were killed when a helicopter crashed in Calabasas, California, north of Los Angeles on January 26.

Fighting back tears, Ms Bryant paid tribute to her husband and daughter as she delivered a eulogy.

She said Gianna - also known as Gigi - would kiss her good morning and good night every day, and that she "was a daddy's girl but I know she loved her mama".

When her tribute on stage ended, Mrs Bryant was helped down the steps by basketball legend Michael Jordan.

The ceremony, called "A Celebration of Life" was opened by Beyonce, and hosted by late-night talk-show host Jimmy Kimmel.