In the wake of the tragic February 2020 helicopter crash that killed Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna and seven others, the world came together to pay tribute and remember the impact Bryant had on their lives.
He is remembered for a wide variety of reasons, not just for his athletic prowess. He was a father, husband, philanthropist, entrepreneur, children’s book writer and Oscar winner. Kobe transcended basketball.
The Internet has been flooded with memorials and testimonies about the effect it has had on other people’s lives. It has touched millions of other people around the world, whether you have met them personally or not. Fans enjoyed it or hated it, there was no intermediary, however, it was undeniable that it was one of the fiercest competitions the game had ever seen. The fans he has had on the field have awakened the same fondness in enthusiasts who have taken root in him or opposed him in his career.
Once back on Tuesday, other athletes, celebrities, enthusiasts and a circle of family gathered in Kobe on what would have been his 44th birthday.
His wife, Vanessa, used Instagram to post a photo of the couple after the Lakers’ championship against the Boston Celtics in 2009. “Happy birthday, baby! I love you and miss you so much!”the message said.
The Lakers, for whom Bryant played his entire 20-year career, wanted a happy birthday for the most sensible scorer in their franchise.
They also shared a series of posts on Instagram, one engaging “20 years and countless memories. “
A post shared through Lakers History (@lakershistory)
LAFC shared a photo of a monument that was displayed for Kobe and Gianna in 2020.
FIBA, which rules world basketball, called Bryant a “true legend of the game” in its message.
Kyrie Irving, one of the many stars Bryant once took to his wing, shared her opinion on social media.
Former Laker and two-time All-Star Isaiah Thomas wanted Kobe to have a satisfied birthday.
Actor O’Shea Jackson, son of Ice Cube, posted a thoughtful tribute to “my hero” on Twitter.
Actress Kerri Washington also wanted Bryant to have a satisfied birthday on Twitter.
NBA TV shared a slideshow showing 24 seconds of Bryant’s moments.
The University of Southern California shared a photo from 2018, when Bryant spoke about “his good fortune both in the box and in the business world, as well as his love of storytelling. “
Congressman Jimmy Gomez recalled, “One of the biggest players the game has ever noticed and who represented LA like no other,” in a tweet.
Isaac G. Bryan, a member of the California State Assembly, said, “The day he was born, I have Kobe in mind. “