Friday, August 23, would have marked the 46th birthday of late Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant. He was killed along with his daughter Gianna and seven others in a tragic helicopter crash in early 2020, and much of the basketball world has still not come to terms with his death.
Most assumed he would continue to be a positive and influential presence for the Lakers, occasionally showing up at games and supporting the team’s stars and other players as the team looks to continue its championship tradition well into the future.
Three other Lakers greats – Magic Johnson, Pau Gasol and LeBron James – wished the Black Mamba a happy birthday, even though he is no longer with us.
Happy birthday to 5x NBA Champion, Olympic Gold Medalist, Oscar and Academy Award winner and my friend Kobe Bryant! We all miss you but your legacy lives on with us forever🙏🏾 https://t.co/TuRDo1isTY
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) 23 August 2024
The elder Bryant played 20 seasons in the NBA, all of them for Los Angeles, leading the organization to seven NBA Finals and five World Championships while also taking home an MVP award and two scoring titles. He also left his mark on the USA basketball team, helping lead the team to two Olympic gold medals in 2008 and 2012.
No one who was fortunate enough to see him play will ever forget his skill, determination, resourcefulness, leadership or champion mentality.
This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Three Lakers greats wish Kobe Bryant a posthumous happy birthday
