Shortly after his final season in 2016, the city of LA declared 8/24 Kobe Bryant Day. Today, the city of Orange County will also recognize this day for the first time. This is our first Kobe Day without the Mamba himself and to say the city doesn’t feel his absence would be a lie. He spent his entire career with the LA Lakers, showing his loyalty and dedication to the city and his fans.
“’Kobe Bryant Day’ is the City of Los Angeles’ way of thanking him for his single-minded dedication to excellence, the fans and the entire City and region of Los Angeles. For 20 years, we were all the beneficiaries of Kobe’s incredible talent and legendary work ethic, and on 8-24 we’ll gather to say, ‘Thank you, Mamba.” – L.A. City Council member Jose Huizar via ESPN.com
August 24 – 8/24 is a symbol of the 2 jersey numbers Kobe wore while playing for the NBA. Kobe helped the Lakers win 5 NBA championships, was a two-time MVP winner, a two-time Olympic gold medal winner, an 18-time All-Star, 14-time All-NBA selection (10 first team) and 12-time NBA All-Defensive player (nine first team). Off the court, he was a loving husband to Vanessa and a dedicated father to Natalia, Gianna, Bianka, and Capri.
8/24 pic.twitter.com/FuDTL6OrpE
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) August 24, 2020
We remember and celebrate Kobe Bryant for his incredible skills, dedication and for sharing his Mamba Mentality with us all. Kobe inspired us, motivated us and taught us to work hard and keep fighting for our dreams. The Lakers will honor Kobe and Gianna in tonight’s game by wearing special uniforms and last night the LA Dodgers honored Kobe as well [Read about it here]. Many players, celebrities and companies took to social media to honor the soon to be basketball Hall of Famer, here’s what they had to say:
WNBA legend @DianaTaurasi discusses why Kobe’s legendary focus set him apart from his peers and why it inspires her to be better every day. #MambaMentality pic.twitter.com/MWx7RkLXpL
— Nike Basketball (@nikebasketball) August 24, 2020
“I focus on one thing and one thing only – that’s trying to win as many championships as I can.” pic.twitter.com/2doKdKwgnx
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) August 24, 2020
24 main message to me was to attack life and the game with tenacity. If you do that you’ll have no regrets. Have fun. Be you. Never change….My brother. Hope you well https://t.co/xJ1qDmGRRt
— kuz (@kylekuzma) August 23, 2020
8 💜💛 24 pic.twitter.com/zRvasVmtVQ
— NBA (@NBA) August 24, 2020
Letter to homie!!! @playerstribune. Link in bio!!! @kobebryant pic.twitter.com/SYFOQEYvQc
— Allen Iverson (@alleniverson) August 24, 2020
Happy birthday brother.
Kobe taught us to be better. A better scorer, better mentor, better father, better champion. Today, on his birthday, we continue his endless pursuit of better. 💜💛 #MambaMentality #TeamNike @Nike @nikebasketball pic.twitter.com/M7OiPrA4F0
— Pau Gasol (@paugasol) August 23, 2020
Rest In Paradise Kobe Bean Bryant. #MambaMentality #MambaOut
