"Mamba Forever;" Athletes, celebrities remember Kobe on his birthday
In the wake of the tragic Feb. 2020 helicopter crash that killed Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna, and seven others, the world came together to pay their respects and remember the impact Bryant had on their lives.
He's been remembered for a wide array of reasons — not just for his athletic prowess. He was a father, a husband, a philanthropist, an entrepreneur, children's author and Oscar-winning writer. Kobe transcended the game of basketball.
The internet flooded with memorials and testimonials to the effect that he had on people's lives. He touched millions of people around the globe, whether he personally met them or not. Fans either loved him or hated him, there was no in between, but there was no denying that he was one of the fiercest competitors the game ever saw. The passion he gave on the court brought out the same passion from fans as they rooted for, or against, him throughout his career.
Again on Tuesday, fellow athletes, celebrities, fans and family came together once again to remember Kobe on what would have been his 44th birthday.
His wife, Vanessa, took to Instagram to post a photo of the couple after the Lakers championship over the Boston Celtics in 2009. "Happy birthday, baby! I love you and miss you so much!," the post said.
The Lakers, whom Bryant played the entirety of his 20-year career for, wished their franchise leading-scorer a happy birthday.
They also shared a number of posts on Instagram, including one dedicated to "20 years and countless memories."
LAFC shared a photo of a memorial the team displayed for Kobe and Gianna in 2020.
FIBA, which governs worldwide basketball, called Bryant a "true legend of the game" in their post.
Kyrie Irving, one of the many stars that Bryant once took under his wing, shared his thoughts on social media.
Former Laker and two-time All-Star Isaiah Thomas wished Kobe a great birthday.
Actor O'Shea Jackson, son of Ice Cube, posted a thoughtful tribute to "my hero" on Twitter.
Actress Kerri Washington also wished Bryant happy birthday on Twitter.
NBA TV shared a slideshow that showed 24 seconds of Bryant's finest moments.
The University of Southern California shared a photo from 2018, when Bryant spoke "about his success both on the court and in the business world, as well as his love for storytelling."
Congressman Jimmy Gomez remembered, "One of the greatest players the game has ever seen who repped LA like no other," in a tweet.
California State Assemblymember Isaac G. Bryan said, "On his born day, I've got Kobe on my mind."
