LA pays tribute to basketball icon Kobe Bryant's legacy through Mamba Day festivities in Los Angeles.
Kobe Bryant Honoured in Los Angeles on His 47th Birthday
On what would have been Kobe Bryant's 47th birthday, Los Angeles paid tribute to the legendary basketball player in various ways. Known as the Black Mamba, Bryant spent 20 seasons playing for the Los Angeles Lakers, leading the team to five NBA Championships.
Two statues of Bryant and his daughter Gianna can be found in L.A. Live, a popular entertainment complex in downtown Los Angeles. One of the statues shows Bryant and Gianna, who was also an aspiring basketball player, in a touching moment.
A mural of Bryant in Dodgers gear was recently unveiled in Redondo Beach, further showcasing the impact he had on the city. In addition, thousands of bobbleheads featuring Bryant were handed out by the Los Angeles Dodgers in early August.
Mamba Day, a celebration held annually on August 24, was declared a holiday in Los Angeles starting in 2016. The third annual Mamba League Invitational basketball tournament was held on Mamba Day this year, taking place in the center of L.A. Live.
Anna Smith, a fan, expressed that Kobe Bryant represents basketball and is the ultimate icon for playing, community involvement, giving back, and being a family man. "He was more than just a basketball player," Smith said. "He was a role model, a father, and a member of our community."
In addition to the public displays, Kobe Bryant was also honoured with displays on the Pacific Wheel, the famous ferris wheel at the end of the Santa Monica Pier. The wheel was lit up with the numbers 8/24, the date of Mamba Day, and the words "Mamba Forever."
Despite his tragic death in a helicopter crash in 2020, along with his daughter Gianna and seven others, Bryant's legacy continues to live on in Los Angeles. His impact on the city and the sport of basketball will never be forgotten.
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