Kobe Celebrated by Vanessa Bryant, Jeanie Buss on 'Mamba Day' and Birthday of Lakers Legend

Los Angeles Lakers team governor Jeanie Buss and the team honored franchise legend Kobe Bryant on what has been popularly dubbed "Mamba Day."

Fans have come to celebrate Aug. 24 because it aligns with the jersey numbers Bryant wore in Los Angeles:

His birthday coincidentally fell a day earlier on the calendar. Vanessa Bryant took some time on Sunday to celebrate what would've been his 48th birthday:

Bryant was a five-time NBA champion, an 18-time All-Star and the 2007-08 MVP during his 20-year run in Southern California. He's the Lakers' all-time leader in games played, points and steals, and he ranks in the top five in rebounds and assists.

The organization has seen a number of Hall of Famers walk through the door, yet no Lakers player seemingly built a stronger relationship with the fanbase than Bryant.

Both of his jerseys are hanging in the rafters of Crypto.com Arena, and a statue in his likeness was unveiled outside of the venue in February 2024.