a speech about kobe bryant

Dear Basketball

Kobe Bryant

Los Angeles Lakers

Dear Basketball,

From the moment I started rolling my dad’s tube socks And shooting imaginary Game-winning shots In the Great Western Forum I knew one thing was real:

I fell in love with you.

A love so deep I gave you my all — From my mind & body To my spirit & soul.

As a six-year-old boy Deeply in love with you I never saw the end of the tunnel. I only saw myself Running out of one.

And so I ran. I ran up and down every court After every loose ball for you. You asked for my hustle I gave you my heart Because it came with so much more.

I played through the sweat and hurt Not because challenge called me But because YOU called me. I did everything for YOU Because that’s what you do When someone makes you feel as Alive as you’ve made me feel.

You gave a six-year-old boy his Laker dream And I’ll always love you for it. But I can’t love you obsessively for much longer. This season is all I have left to give. My heart can take the pounding My mind can handle the grind But my body knows it’s time to say goodbye.

And that’s OK. I’m ready to let you go. I want you to know now So we both can savor every moment we have left together. The good and the bad. We have given each other All that we have.

And we both know, no matter what I do next I’ll always be that kid With the rolled up socks Garbage can in the corner :05 seconds on the clock Ball in my hands. 5 … 4 … 3 … 2 … 1

Love you always, Kobe

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12 Videos Of Kobe Bryant That Show What A Motivational Icon He Was

BuzzFeed Staff

Earlier today the world lost a legend when Kobe Bryant died , along with his 13-year-old daughter Gianna, in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California. Throughout his career , Kobe touched the lives of countless people — and provided endless motivation and inspiration that we can all use, whether on or off the court.

1. Take a look below at some of his most inspiring video moments:

2. when kobe talked about how "the most important thing in life is how your career moves and touches those around you":.

View this video on YouTube

3. when he broke down how basketball is a metaphor for life:.

4. When he said if he had the ability to turn back time he would "never use it" because "then every moment that you go through means absolutely nothing because you can always go back and do it again":

FARHAN CHOWDHURY @FChowdhury7 This interviews even more harder to watch now but Kobe knew what he was saying... #RIPkobe #mamba 08:29 PM - 26 Jan 2020 Reply Retweet Favorite

5. When he talked about how important it is for young women to have representation and strong role models:

Jaycob Ammerman @Jammer2233 Over the last couple years, I’ve watched a lot of Kobe interviews. There’s always great insights to his work ethic & mindset The thing that has always stuck out to me is how much he would talk about his daughters & the importance of being a dad. Prayers🙏🏼 10:03 PM - 26 Jan 2020 Reply Retweet Favorite

6. When he talked about how he balances work with his family time:

7. When he wouldn't settle for any less than he expected of himself:

Lake Show @LakeShowFamily My favorite Interview from Kobe Bryant. Forever MAMBA MENTALITY. 24. 💔 08:16 PM - 26 Jan 2020 Reply Retweet Favorite

8. When he revealed how he holds everyone on his team accountable:

View this photo on Instagram

9. When he talked about how he wants people to remember him as a "talented overachiever":

Joe G @JoeG1011 Words to live by from Kobe’s final post game interview with his great friend Jim Gray #ripkobe 09:17 PM - 26 Jan 2020 Reply Retweet Favorite

10. When he announced his retirement with a moving poem, which was set to an Oscar-winning animated short film, Dear Basketball :

Benny @bennyjohnson This animated short about #Kobe won an Oscar last year. Watching it will give you chills. "My mind can handle the grind but my body knows it's time to say goodbye. And that's OK. I'm ready to let you go." RIP 09:28 PM - 26 Jan 2020 Reply Retweet Favorite

11. When he talked about how working hard is "actually the dream":

luke cooper @LukeCooperHD "Those times when you get up early and you work hard. Those times you stay up late and you work hard. Those times when you don't feel like working. You're too tired. You don't want to push yourself, but you do it anyway... That is actually the dream." - @kobebryant 02:39 PM - 19 Dec 2017 Reply Retweet Favorite

12. When he talked about how he isn't afraid of death:

The Ringer @ringer During a conversation in 2016, Kobe Bryant discussed his relationship with death. "You can't have life without death. You can't have light without dark." 10:49 PM - 26 Jan 2020 Reply Retweet Favorite

13. And, most importantly, when he talked about how important it is to enjoy life:

Srini Mama @SriniMaamaa16 Rip #KobeBryant one of the modern day legend is no more today who passed in unusual way. May his soul Rest In Peace. This is one of the best interview from you #KobyBryant #KobeByrant #Kobe4ever #Kobe 11:04 PM - 26 Jan 2020 Reply Retweet Favorite

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Kobe Bryant Gives Heartfelt Speech During Jersey Retirement Ceremony

Kobe Bryant shared some sage advice during his jersey retirement ceremony at STAPLES Center on Monday.

Renowned for his work ethic and drive as much as his success on the court, Kobe impressed that the journey “is actually the dream.”

Kobe: "Those times when you get up early and you work hard. Those times you stay up late and you work hard. Those times when you don't feel like working. You're too tired. You don't want to push yourself, but you do it anyway… That is actually the dream." 🔥 #Ko8e24 — SLAM (@SLAMonline) December 19, 2017

Kobe kept his speech relatively brief—thanking Lakers of the past, present and future, as well as the fans, media and his family.

Watch Kobe’s full speech here:

RELATED: Kobe Bryant Chooses Between No. 8 and 24

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Kobe Bryant memorial: Watch the emotional tributes, speeches honoring NBA star, daughter Gianna

Roughly 20,000 mourners gathered at Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles on Monday to say their goodbyes to Kobe and Gianna Bryant.

The "Celebration of Life" honored the NBA legend and his 13-year-old daughter, who died alongside seven others in a helicopter crash last month.

The public memorial featured emotional tributes from Beyonce, Vanessa Bryant, Jimmy Kimmel, Geno Auriemma and more.

Jimmy Kimmel's emotional speech

"It seems to me that all we can do is be grateful for the time we had with them and for the time we have left with each other." @jimmykimmel gives an emotional speech. pic.twitter.com/Vn6VUVJhtw — FOX Sports (@FOXSports) February 24, 2020

Jimmy Kimmel was the first speaker at the memorial service. He gave a tearful opening monologue in honor of Kobe and Gianna.

"Everywhere you go, you see his face, his number. Gigi's face, Gigi's number," Kimmel said. "At every intersection, there are hundreds of murals painted by artists who were inspired not because he is a basketball player, but because Kobe was an artist, too."

Beyonce's powerful tribute

Full performance: @Beyonce honors Kobe Bryant with "XO" and "Halo." #KobeFarewell absolutely beautiful 🕊 pic.twitter.com/wvcPjMr1Wh — Complex Music (@ComplexMusic) February 24, 2020

Beyonce started the memorial service by singing one of Kobe's favorite songs, "XO." She finished her tribute with a powerful version of "Halo."

Vanessa Bryant's eulogy

Vanessa Bryant spoke next, delivering two heartfelt speeches: the first in remembrance of her daughter and the second in honor of her husband.

"Gigi would have easily become the best player in the WNBA." Vanessa Bryant remembers her daughter, Gianna. pic.twitter.com/9tv3w8wL6a — NBA TV (@NBATV) February 24, 2020

Vanessa revealed that Kobe wanted to renew their vows. He also hoped their 17-year-old daughter Natalia would eventually take over his company.

“He was my everything.” Vanessa Bryant remembers Kobe at the Celebration of Life. pic.twitter.com/vHb9xP0qmm — NBA TV (@NBATV) February 24, 2020

Following her eulogy, Vanessa received a standing ovation and was helped off the stage by Michael Jordan.

Michael Jordan helped Vanessa Bryant off the stage after her emotional eulogy. pic.twitter.com/bETfLmtjG6 — FOX Sports (@FOXSports) February 24, 2020

Alicia Keys' moving rendition

Alicia Keys performs her rendition of Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata at Kobe & Gianna's Celebration of Life. pic.twitter.com/yzPY3lakWk — NBA TV (@NBATV) February 24, 2020

Alicia Keys sat at a purple piano and played Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata, one of Kobe and Vanessa's favorite pieces of music.

Michael Jordan's friendship

“As I got to know him, I wanted to be the best big brother that I could be.” Michael Jordan on Kobe Bryant. pic.twitter.com/dTSp7VDosP — NBA TV (@NBATV) February 24, 2020

A teary-eyed Michael Jordan shared details on the kind of relationship he shared with Kobe.

The NBA legend also provided some comic relief and brought up his crying meme.

"Now he's got me— I'm going to have to look at another crying meme." - Michael Jordan #KobeFarewell pic.twitter.com/OHnxIR2CRm — Complex (@Complex) February 24, 2020

Shaq's NSFW story

Shaq gives a one-of-a-kind story about Kobe Bryant 😂 pic.twitter.com/D6V88jw70D — Sports Illustrated (@SInow) February 24, 2020

Shaq shared a funny story about being teammates with Kobe on the Lakers. He said he was upset Kobe wouldn't pass the ball and approached him about it.

Shaq said he told Kobe there was no "I" in the word team. He said Kobe responded by saying, "Yeah, but there is an 'M-E' in that motherf—er.”

Kobe Bryant last game: Read the entire transcript of Kobe's farewell speech

Kobe bryant called time on a 20-year career in the nba.

Kobe Bryant played the final game of his NBA career, and like he did throughout his 20year career, he made a statement in his farewell game, like only he can.

Scoring a brilliant 60 points, Kobe made sure the last game of his stellar career would be one to remember, leading his Los Angeles Lakers team to a 101-96 victory with some ridiculous basketball in the final minutes.

Below is the transcript of Kobe's farewell speech.

"I grew up a die-hard, I mean a die-hard Laker fan, die-hard. I knew everything about every player that has played here. So to be drafted and then traded to this organisation and to spend 20 years here, you can't write something better than this.

It is not about the championships, it is about the down years. We did it the right way, we got our championships, all I can do is thank you guys, thank you guys for all the support, thank you guys for the motivation, thank you guys for the inspiration.

The thing that had me cracking up all-night long was that I go through 20 years of everybody screaming pass the ball and on the last night everybody's like don't pass it (followed by a big laugh).

This has been, this has been absolutely beautiful., I can't believe it comes to an end. You guys have been absolutely, absolutely beautiful. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I love you guys, I love you guys.

My family, to my family, thank you guys for all your sacrifices. All the time I spend in the gym and training, Vanessa holding down the family like the way you have, Vanessa I can't thank you enough, there is no way I can thank you enough for that. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

What can I say, Mamba out."

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LeBron James' heartfelt speech about Kobe Bryant in full

By Huw Hopkins

Saturday 1 February 2020 12:02, UK

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

LeBron James spoke at the Staples Center, ahead of the LA Lakers' first game since the tragic death of Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna, as well as John, Keri and Alyssa Altobelli, Sarah and Payton Chester, and Christina Mauser and Ara Zobayan.

LeBron James acknowledged everyone who lost their lives in the helicopter crash in Calabasas, Los Angeles, and then spoke to the crowd from his heart.

"I got something written down. They asked me to stay on course or whatever the case may be, but, Laker Nation, I would be selling you short if I read off this so I'm going to go straight from the heart.

"The first thing that comes to mind, man, is all about family. When I look around this arena, we're all grieving, we're all hurt, we're all heartbroken. But when we go through something like this, the best thing we can do is lean on the shoulders of your family. And from Sunday morning all the way up until this point, now, I heard about Laker Nation before I got here last year, about how much of a family it is, and that is absolutely what I've seen this whole week.

"Not only from the players, not only from the coaching staff, not only from the organisation, but from everybody. Everybody that's here - this is really, truly, truly a family. And I know Kobe and Gianna, and Vanessa and everybody, thank you guys from the bottom of their hearts as Kobe said.

"Now I know at some point, we will have a memorial for Kobe, but I look at this as a celebration tonight. This is a celebration of the 20 years of the blood, the sweat, the tears, the broken-down body, the getting up, the sitting down, the everything, the countless hours, the determination to be as great as he could be - tonight, we celebrate the kid that came here at 18 years of age, retired at 38, and became probably the best dad we've seen over the past three years, man.

"Tonight is a celebration. Before we get to play, I love you all man, Kobe is a brother to me. And from the time I was in high school, watching him from afar, to getting in this league at 18, watching him up close, all the battles we had throughout my career, the one thing we always shared is that determination to win, and just wanting to be great.

"The fact that I'm here now means so much to me. I want to continue along with my teammates to continue his legacy, not only for this year, but for as long as we can keep playing the game that we love, because that's what Kobe Bryant would want.

"So in the words of Kobe Bryant, 'Mamba Out', but in the words of us, 'Not Forgotten'. Live on brother."

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Opinion: Kobe Bryant deserved to give what would have been a memorable Hall of Fame speech

The entire NBA family has had more than two months to grieve, console each other and share memories. That has not been enough time to fully process Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven others dying in a helicopter crash.

So when the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame announced Bryant as a first ballot selection Saturday, this was not just a moment to celebrate how Bryant won five NBA championships, became the franchise’s all-time leading scorer and overcame too many injuries to count. This was also a moment that reopened a wound that may not ever fully heal.

"Obviously we wish he was here with us to celebrate, but it’s definitely the peak of his NBA career," Bryant’s wife, Vanessa, told ESPN shortly after the announcement . "Every accomplishment that he had as an athlete was a stepping stone to be here. We’re incredibly proud of him. There’s some solace in him knowing he would be a part of the 2020 Hall of Fame class."

"We're incredibly proud of him." Vanessa and Natalia Bryant joined Rece Davis after Kobe's induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame. pic.twitter.com/HX31pyvgPe — ESPN (@espn) April 4, 2020

But there is also an incredible amount of sorrow that Bryant won’t be part of the 2020 class in person. We lived through these same emotions so many times. When the Lakers played their first game following Bryant’s passing and LeBron James delivered an inspiring speech beforehand. When the NBA honored Bryant at All-Star weekend in Chicago with various video tributes and performances. When the Kobe and Gianna Bryant memorial took place at Staples Center headlined by Vanessa’s moving speech. Just like those moments, this Hall of Fame ceremony will be cathartic and emotional.

It wasn’t supposed to be this way. Bryant was supposed to deliver a speech that fully matched his complex personality. He would share tales on how he stubbornly overcame injuries. He would defend his demanding leadership style. He would express gratitude for the various mentors that shaped him. And after becoming passionate about storytelling following his NBA career, Bryant would deliver a speech that no scriptwriter could ever write.

IMMORTALITY: Kobe, Duncan, KG headline legendary class of 2020

VANESSA BRYANT: Discusses Kobe's induction in emotional interview

Bryant would offer precise details about how he fell in love with basketball as a young kid growing up in Italy and in Philadelphia. Bryant would express gratitude that former Lakers general manager Jerry West secured his draft rights in 1996 by trading fan favorite Vlade Divac to the Charlotte Hornets. Bryant would shout out his other various muses, whether it entailed an NBA star he modeled his game after (Michael Jordan), a coach’s wisdom he eventually appreciated (Phil Jackson) or an NBA luminary that played for the hated Boston Celtics (Bill Russell).

Bryant would spin epic tales on how he scored a career-high 81 points, how he overcame a left Achilles injury or how he dropped 60 points in his final game. Bryant would offer defiance, context and perhaps some revisionist history on his clashes with Shaquille O’Neal, his trade demands in 2007 or his high-volume shooting. Bryant would surely bring up his battles with other new Hall of Famers in Tim Duncan and Kevin Garnett. Bryant would gush about the women’s game, including what he admired about inductee Tamika Catchings.

What a journey it's been. Welcome to the Hall of Fame, Kobe. pic.twitter.com/4tLIttRyaW — Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) April 4, 2020

Nearly every NBA fan became familiar with all the intimate details about Bryant’s career. But the stories never got old. There were always new details to emerge atop the ones we already knew. There were always new anecdotes no one knew about until Bryant and those he impacted eventually shared them.

"Kobe was always one to downplay his professional accomplishments — MVPs, NBA championships, gold medals, Oscars, and on and on and on," Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka said in a statement . "But all of us can trust that this Basketball Hall of Fame honor is one Kobe would, and will, deeply appreciate. The highest of congratulations to you, dear friend. This one is so well deserved — for all the hard work, sweat and toil. Now, a part of you will live in the Hall with the rest of the all-time greats, where your legend and spirit will continue to grow forever."

Because of that spirit, Bryant’s Hall of Fame induction will still be memorable. But it would have been much better for him to be there, obviously.

There would have been intrigue about whom Bryant would choose as his presenters. Would one of them be Jordan, who delivered a memorable speech at Bryant’s memorial about how he became a "big brother" to him? Would one of them be Jackson, who eventually inspired Bryant to appreciate his triangle offense and meditation practices? Would one of them be Lower Merion coach Gregg Downer, whom Bryant credited for knowing how to motivate him? Would one of them be Lower Merion English teacher Jeanne Mastriano, whom Bryant said inspired his passion for storytelling? Would one of them have been WNBA star Diana Taurasi, Connecticut coach Geno Auriemma or Oregon star Sabrina Ionescu about how Bryant supported women’s basketball?

"No amount of words can fully describe what Kobe Bryant meant to the Los Angeles Lakers," Lakers controlling governor Jeanie Buss said in a statement . "Kobe was not only a proven winner and a champion, he gave everything he had to the game of basketball. His fierce competitiveness, work ethic and drive were unmatched. Those qualities helped Kobe lead us to five titles — and have now brought him to the Hall of Fame, where he will be enshrined with the greatest to have ever played the game. No one deserves it more."

And yet Bryant also deserved something more and something so simple. He deserved to be able to stand on stage, accept his award and fully process the significant contributions he made to the game he loved.

Follow USA TODAY Sports' Mark Medina on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram .

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Kobe Bryant memorial: Michael Jordan delivers tearful speech, says 'a piece of me died'

Jordan fought back tears as he was speaking about the lakers legend and his 'little brother'.

As each speaker got on stage to share their memories of Kobe and Gianna Bryant inside the Staples Center during Monday's memorial to honor the nine lives lost on Jan. 26, a new wave of emotion fell over the crowd. Vanessa Bryant delivered an emotional and courageous speech eulogizing her daughter and husband. Beyonce sang one of Kobe's favorite songs and Diana Taurasi and Sabrina Ionescu shared the impact that Kobe had on their lives. 

The details on who would speak were not announced beforehand, so when NBA legend Michael Jordan was introduced by Jimmy Kimmel as the next speaker after Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka, it was a bit of a surprise to those inside the arena. Jordan does not typically deliver public speeches these days. The NBA All-Star Game was in Chicago a little over a week ago and fans in attendance were only treated to a recorded video message on the jumbotron.

Jordan was immediately greeted with loud cheers, and what followed was an incredibly touching and raw moment that is rarely ever seen from Jordan. As he began to speak, tears began to stream down his face and his voice was trembling as he was trying to get out the words to best speak on someone who he felt was like a little brother to him. 

“Everyone always wanted to talk about the comparisons between he and I. I just wanted to talk about Kobe.” Michael Jordan recounts his special relationship with Kobe Bryant. pic.twitter.com/hx3pc7SqTo — CBS Sports HQ (@CBSSportsHQ) February 24, 2020

In part of Jordan's speech, he said:

Maybe it surprised people, that Kobe and I were very close friends, but we were very close friends. Kobe was my dear friend, he was like a little brother. Everyone always wanted to talk about the comparisons between he and I. I just wanted to talk about Kobe. You know all of us have little brothers and sisters who, for whatever reason, always tend to get in your stuff. Your closets. Your shoes. Everything. It was a nuisance. But that nuisance turned into love over a period of time. Just because the admiration that they had for you as big brothers or big sisters. The questions, the wanting to know every little detail about life that they were about to embark on. He used to call me, text me at 11:30, 2:30, three in the morning, talking about post-up moves, footwork and sometimes the triangle. At first, it was an aggravation, then it turned into a certain passion. This kid had passion like you would never know. 

Jordan went on to talk about how he wanted to be the best big brother he possibly could be to Kobe, while also sharing stories of time spent with him on the court. It was a mesmerizing moment to watch someone like Jordan, who is so often spoken about like this mythological figure because of his inaccessibility, be so personal and vulnerable in his tribute to Kobe. He even provided some much-needed comic relief, referencing the crying Jordan meme that has become synonymous with him on social media, which got a lot of cheers in the crowd.

"I’m gonna have to look at another crying meme… that is what Kobe Bryant does to me.” - Michael Jordan pic.twitter.com/RHTV9ijLkt — CBS Sports HQ (@CBSSportsHQ) February 24, 2020

To end his speech, Jordan spoke of how Kobe inspired him to be a "girl dad" to his six-year-old twin daughters, and how he was just getting started in the next phase of his life after retirement with coaching and his creative endeavors. In the nearly 10 minutes Jordan was on stage, he gave a worthy tribute to Kobe in the words that he spoke, and it was gripping to watch Jordan recognize the bond that ties him and Bryant together.  

"When Kobe Bryant died," he said, "a piece of me died. And as I look in this arena and across the globe, a piece of you died. Those are the memories we have to live with and we learn from. I promise you, from this day forward, I will live with the memories of know that I had a little brother, and that I tried to help in every way I could. Please, rest in peace, little brother."  

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How Kobe Bryant is being celebrated on his birthday (8/23) and Mamba Day (8/24)

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Two days in late August hold special significance for fans of late Lakers legend Kobe Bryant .

Bryant’s birthday is Aug. 23. The following day in the city of Los Angeles and Orange County is Kobe Bryant Day because the date (8/24) matches the No. 8 and No. 24 jerseys the Hall of Famer wore during his 20-year NBA career.

Those two days are bittersweet in Southern California and beyond, after the beloved player and his daughter Gianna were among nine people who died in a helicopter crash Jan. 26, 2020, in Calabasas.

Pau Gasol honors Kobe Bryant during HOF speech: ‘I wouldn’t be here without you’

Pau Gasol pays tribute to Lakers great Kobe Bryant, with whom he won two NBA titles, during his Basketball Hall of Fame speech on Saturday night.

Aug. 13, 2023

Many celebrate Bryant’s life and legacy. Bryant was a trending topic on social media Wednesday, with people posting heartfelt tributes on what would have been his 45th birthday.

“Happy birthday, baby. I love you always & forever. ❤️,” his wife, Vanessa Bryant , wrote on Instagram . She also posted photos of her and her husband kissing, cuddling and holding hands.

Jeanie Buss was one of many people who commented on Bryant’s post. “A timeless and inspiring love story ❤️❤️❤️❤️,” the Lakers owner wrote.

Remembering Kobe 💜💛 8.23.78 pic.twitter.com/bRZgrOzOok — NBA (@NBA) August 23, 2023

When Team USA sang "Happy Birthday" to Kobe 🐍 Special moment ❤️💙 pic.twitter.com/sitaWj2WA8 — ESPN (@espn) August 23, 2023

Happy Birthday, Kobe 🧡 pic.twitter.com/ONh10O4KJf — WNBA (@WNBA) August 23, 2023

Happy Birthday, Kobe 💜💛 In honor of his birthday, a look back at all of our memories with Mamba on #NBAonTNT pic.twitter.com/CN9vX9gq7p — NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) August 23, 2023

Rapper Drake paid tribute to Bryant during a concert at Crypto.com Arena on Tuesday night after a fan apparently tossed a No. 24 Lakers jersey onstage. “Imma hold this up ‘cause we got to show love to Kobe one time. Y’all make some noise for Kobe,” the hip-hop star told the L.A. crowd, which was more than happy to oblige.

Nike chose Wednesday morning to relaunch its popular line of shoes bearing Bryant’s name , dropping the Kobe 8 Protro Halos on its SNKRS app and in select stores. According to a Nike news release , Vanessa Bryant created the Halo concept and triple-white colorway and new shoes in the series will come out each year on Kobe’s birthday.

Bryant’s estate initially let his contract with Nike expire in 2021, with Vanessa telling ESPN at the time that it had become too difficult for everyday fans, rather than collectors, to purchase her husband’s merchandise. She announced in March 2022 that the partnership with Nike would continue.

This year’s Halos, the first Kobe sneakers released since then, sold out on SNKRS almost immediately, something Bryant warned fans about.

“Nike wanted this debut Halo Collection to be limited and collectible,” she wrote on Instagram , “but the good news is Nike is working towards more units for future Kobe releases!”

Kobe Bryant statue to be unveiled outside Crypto next year. How will he be immortalized?

A statue of late Lakers legend Kobe Bryant will be unveiled outside Crypto.com Arena on Feb. 8, 2024, the team and Vanessa Bryant announced Thursday, which is Mamba Day.

Aug. 24, 2023

On Thursday morning, the Lakers announced a Bryant statue will be unveiled outside Crypto.com Arena on Feb. 8, 2024.

The date is significant because it incorporates Kobe’s jersey numbers as well as the No. 2 jersey daughter Gianna Bryant wore as a player for Kobe’s Mamba Academy .

Kobe’s legacy immortalized. 2•8•24 pic.twitter.com/WHQBXZJ2gD — Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) August 24, 2023

Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier is using its Ferris wheel to honor Kobe again on Thursday night. The ride’s light display will be in purple and gold and show both of Bryant’s jersey numbers. The light show will take place from around 7:30 to midnight. The park will close at 5 for a private event, however, so the public will have to enjoy the tribute from afar or online .

Dodgers to honor Kobe Bryant. Here’s how to get his jersey with No. 8 and No. 24 on it

The late Kobe Bryant will be honored during the Dodgers’ Lakers Night on Sept. 1 with special Black Mamba-inspired jerseys featuring No. 8 and No. 24.

July 27, 2023

Video game company 2K, which previously announced that Bryant will be featured on the cover of the upcoming “NBA 2K24,” revealed a trailer and details on the Mamba Moments mode that will allow players to recreate iconic instances from throughout Kobe’s career.

UCLA Health is continuing its yearly tradition of presenting babies born this week with Kobe care packages, according to an adorable Lakers tweet showing infants wrapped in team gear and wearing Bryant’s numbers.

Team USA and Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr was asked about Mamba Day on Wednesday during a news conference ahead of the FIBA World Cup.

After sharing that Aug. 24 is his mother’s birthday and giving her a shoutout, Kerr reflected on Bryant.

“I have great memories of playing against him during my career and then coaching against him late in his career,” Kerr said . “To have had the good fortune to be in the NBA at the same time as one of the all-time greats, and to watch him, and to compete against him was really special. We all think about Kobe to this day and everything he meant to the league and to all of us.”

The Dodgers are on the road this week, but they will pay tribute to the Black Mamba when they return. The team will be giving away special Dodgers jerseys honoring Bryant — with No. 8 on the front and No. 24 on the back — as part of a special ticket purchase for its Sept. 1 game against the Atlanta Braves.

A perfect night? Kobe Bryant’s daughter gets Taylor Swift’s ‘22’ hat during L.A. concert

Bianka Bryant, daughter of Kobe and Vanessa, gets ‘22’ hat from Taylor Swift as Eras tour stops at SoFi Stadium for six nights. The Bryants are famously Swifties.

Aug. 4, 2023

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Chuck Schilken is a sports reporter on the Fast Break team. He spent more than 18 years with the Los Angeles Times’ Sports Department in a variety of roles. Before joining The Times, he worked for more than a decade as a sports reporter and editor at newspapers in Virginia and Maryland.

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