"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.
Forever.
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) August 23, 2022
Happy birthday, Kobe 💜💛 pic.twitter.com/GVOOSelvej
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.
Mamba Forever. ♾
— LAFC (@LAFC) August 23, 2022
Happy Birthday, Kobe 💜💛 pic.twitter.com/YjQ6VT7TuK
FIBA, which governs worldwide basketball, called Bryant a "true legend of the game" in their post.
𝑨 𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒆 𝒍𝒆𝒈𝒆𝒏𝒅 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒈𝒂𝒎𝒆.
— FIBA (@FIBA) August 23, 2022
Kobe Bryant would’ve turned 44 today 🖤 pic.twitter.com/a9TLLVcgFM
Kyrie Irving, one of the many stars that Bryant once took under his wing, shared his thoughts on social media.
VIII•XXIII
— A11Even (@KyrieIrving) August 23, 2022
Love you Big brother @kobebryant
Happy Solar Return, and 🥂’s to you.
You and all the angels celebrate up in Paradise!
The Black Mamba lives on…..♾
Former Laker and two-time All-Star Isaiah Thomas wished Kobe a great birthday.
Happy birthday to the GREAT @kobebryant miss you killa!!! pic.twitter.com/CwctMV6Llb
— Isaiah Thomas (@isaiahthomas) August 23, 2022
Actor O'Shea Jackson, son of Ice Cube, posted a thoughtful tribute to "my hero" on Twitter.
Happy birthday to my hero Mr. Kobe Bean Bryant. I watch and listen to you still, on bad days and the good. Wherever you are my friend, I know exactly how you spending this birthday. Getting shots up lol. Say hello to GiGi for me please sir. Happy birthday. pic.twitter.com/a0wMGl2sZS
— O’Shea Jack(Nichol)son (@OsheaJacksonJr) August 23, 2022
Actress Kerri Washington also wished Bryant happy birthday on Twitter.
Happy Birthday #KobeBryant 💜💛 pic.twitter.com/unCJlqFdMJ
— kerry washington (@kerrywashington) August 23, 2022
NBA TV shared a slideshow that showed 24 seconds of Bryant's finest moments.
24 seconds of greatness.
— NBA TV (@NBATV) August 23, 2022
Kobe would have been 44 today. Mamba forever 💜💛 pic.twitter.com/m16NZSa8uE
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."
In 2018, Kobe Bryant spoke at USC about his success both on the court and in the business world, as well as his love for storytelling. Today would have been his 44th birthday. https://t.co/xkDHJD6elP pic.twitter.com/duNZjobd4t
— USC (@USC) August 23, 2022
Congressman Jimmy Gomez remembered, "One of the greatest players the game has ever seen who repped LA like no other," in a tweet.
Today would have been Kobe Bryant’s birthday.
— Rep. Jimmy Gomez (@RepJimmyGomez) August 23, 2022
One of the greatest players the game has ever seen who repped LA like no other. His legacy continues to inspire millions around the world. #MambaForever 💜💛
Mural by @royyaldog in #ArtsDistrict #CA34 pic.twitter.com/7ZTyv3PC63
California State Assemblymember Isaac G. Bryan said, "On his born day, I've got Kobe on my mind."
On his born day, I’ve got Kobe on my mind.
— Isaac G. Bryan (@ib2_real) August 23, 2022
Rest in Paradise 🕊 pic.twitter.com/zvLkP3I65U