A lot of many events have passed since Kobe Bryant’s untimely death on January 26, 2020. LeBron James led the Lakers to the ‘Bubble’ championship, passed the all-time scoring record in the league, and several young players who view Bryant as one of their idols are stepping into the league. However, one thing that remains unchanged is the seeming void in the basketball world without Kobe in it. Nobody had expected the Lakers legend’s untimely passing at that time, and it’s been five years since Kobe was no longer with us.
The veterans and former players of the league and Team USA Basketball have many fond memories with Kobe, who had, in a way, mentored several of them into becoming the legends that they are considered today. Kobe Bryant’s 29th birthday during the 2008 Beijing Olympics was an event of celebration for the team that went on to ‘redeem’ the gold medal after failure in Athens 2004. Surely, LeBron James knew how to make the best out of the moment back then, making the Mamba feel amongst family on the eve of his birthday.
Today, Kobe Bryant would have turned 46 on his birthday. Amidst the tributes and celebrations of the Lakers legend’s birthday, a video has re-emerged on social media where LeBron James urges everyone in Team USA to sing ‘Happy Birthday’ for Bean. Kobe could not stop grinning at his teammates, who were celebrating him so fondly, as he could be seen smiling and carrying his daughter Gianna Bryant.
Even if it’s been four years since Kobe’s passing, the wishes never stopped pouring for the Mamba. LeBron James and several others, including Dwyane Wade, took to X to offer their tributes and post their message for the late NBA legend on his birthday. Have a look at some of these here below
Though Kobe might not be physically present with us, he remains in spirit and faith among basketball lovers and in the NBA. The league, its veterans, and its current stars can not forget the impeccable contributions made by Bryant to make the league one of the best in the whole world.
