The significance of Aug. 23rd on basketball world is not lost on Lakers forward Larry Nance Jr. To those who do not know yet, Kobe “Black Mamba” Bryant was born on Aug. 23rd. On top of that, Los Angeles city officials proclaimed Aug. 24 as “Kobe Bryant Day” (since he wore 8 and 24 during his career, 8/24 was fitting).

As reported by Harrison Faigen for Silverscreen and Roll, Nance Jr. chose to pay tribute to his former teammate in a very apt, albeit hilarious, Instagram post:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BJdtBzXAz3R/

The picture of a goat obviously connotes Kobe as the GOAT, or greatest of all-time.

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The Lakers are in transition after Bryant retired last season. The road back to respectability and championship contention is now on the shoulders of D'Angelo Russell, Julius Randle, Jordan Clarkson, and number two overall pick Brandon Ingram. The team also acquired Luol Deng to provide a veteran presence in their young locker room.

Meanwhile, Kobe has been enjoying his life after retiring from NBA. He has been conducting basketball clinics in different countries, spending time with his family, and inviting the young guns of the NBA to train with him every morning. We're not sure though if the invitees include Nance after his birthday post.

Happy birthday, Kobe “the GOAT” Bryant.