Kobe Bryant to host French train trio to Lakers game
NBA player Kobe Bryant plans on treating the trio of Americans who foiled a terrorist attack last month to a Los Angeles Lakers basketball game.
Bryant is extending the invite to Airman 1st Class Spencer Stone, Army Spc. Alek Skarlatos and student Anthony Sadler for their actions during the incident on a Paris-bound train on Aug. 21, according to TMZ.
{mosads}TMZ reported on Monday that the hoops star is coordinating his invite with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.
They plan on hosting the trio for a Lakers game during the upcoming season and then having them meet Bryant, it said.
The three men sparked international headlines by subduing an armed gunman who was opening fire on a train from Amsterdam to Paris.
The trio of childhood friends tackled the suspected attacker, 25-year-old Moroccan citizen Ayoub el-Khazzani, before he could seriously harm any passengers.
Bryant’s gesture was inspired by Sadler, who was wearing a Lakers shirt during the violent encounter, TMZ reported.
The three men visited the Oval Office last week to meet with President Obama.
“Because of their courage, because of their quick thinking … a real calamity was averted,” Obama said. “Thank you to them for not only saving so many lives, but also for making America look so good.”
Stone, 23, suffered non-life-threatening wounds during the incident last month. He has since received the Purple Heart and the Airman’s Medal for his actions.
Skarlatos, 22, received a Soldier’s medal and Sadler was given a civilian award from the Defense Department.
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