People from around the NBA honored the late Kobe Bryant on Sunday, which would have been his 42nd birthday.
The Los Angeles Lakers posted multiple tributes to Bryant on Twitter, including a video.
We miss you every day, Kobe. Happy birthday from your Lakers family. pic.twitter.com/6hzwFXgkwh
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) August 23, 2020
Father, Husband, Laker, Oscar Winner, Girl Dad, Author, Black Mamba, Champion, Mentor, Hall of Famer. Kobe Bryant ∞ pic.twitter.com/yyxRzbuToz
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) August 23, 2020
Numerous teams paid their respects to Kobe.
Nike Basketball aired a brilliant spot narrated by rapper Kendrick Lamar, and Pau Gasol referenced it in his message.
https://twitter.com/nikebasketball/status/1297535413846859779
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
The official NBA account also tweeted out remembrances with an iconic photo of Bryant in the '90s. Meanwhile, NBA Cares acknowledged Bryant as a “champion on and off the court.”
Remembering Kobe 💜💛 8.23.78 pic.twitter.com/l5dh9G6Vwl
— NBA (@NBA) August 23, 2020
A champion on and off the court. Happy Birthday, Kobe 💜💛 pic.twitter.com/eD7eIAvGHy
— NBA Cares (@nbacares) August 23, 2020
Some of Kobe Bryant's former peers, including Vince Carter and Stephon Marbury, honored Kobe with remembrances.
Happy 42nd Birthday my guy. You are missed!!! 🐍🙏🏽 #Mambaforever #KobeBeanBryant pic.twitter.com/sWrHAHWWLn
— Vince Carter (@mrvincecarter15) August 23, 2020
Happy birthday Kobe your presence is missed on earth! pic.twitter.com/tbeK9B90fm
— I AM PEACE STAR (@StarburyMarbury) August 23, 2020
Allen Iverson took a different approach, tweeting out a clip in which Bryant appears to dislocate a finger only to pop it right back into place and immediately re-enter the game. Iverson noted moments like these made Kobe a “Serial Killa!!!!”
Did u see how he walked away like it wasn’t shit?! Hard!!! Serial Killa!!!! Happy Birthday Bro Bro. Miss you. Love 4 Life. #LongLiveMamba pic.twitter.com/vaefDkuFcf
— Allen Iverson (@alleniverson) August 23, 2020
Former San Antonio Spurs swingman Bruce Bowen had his fair share of battles with The Black Mamba and told followers “Life is precious.”
Happy birthday to one of the Greats of the game. Life is precious tweeps, RIP @kobebryant pic.twitter.com/X5A1AN2ihA
— Bruce Bowen (@Bowen12) August 23, 2020
Boston Celtics legend Bill Russell tweeted out his regards, also saying the community would be there to support Bryant's wife, Vanessa, and his daughters.
It’s 8:24 on his #Birthday. Its the first time I will not be able 2 say #HappyBirthday I will never get use tothat. We think about you often To Vanessa & the girls we r always here for you I know U will be strong because he is part of you. To Joe & Pam I understand. We ❤️U #Kobe pic.twitter.com/Uy0tdZlpd8
— TheBillRussell (@RealBillRussell) August 23, 2020
Bryant and his daughter, Gianna, were among the nine killed in a helicopter crash outside of Calabasas in January.
The tragedy rocked the world. Bryant was just entering his new chapter post-retirement, a man who had become known as a “Girl Dad” and an advocate for women in sports.
As if it were not abundantly clear already, the outpouring of birthday wishes is a clear representation of the impact Kobe Bryant had on so many around the world. There will be plenty more to come throughout the day.
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