Nov 2, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) reacts during the game against the Los Angeles Clippers at the Staples Center. The Clippers defeated the Lakers 105-95. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports
Around this time of year, the NBA world celebrates the life of Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant. He would have turned 48 years old on Aug. 23, and of course, Aug. 24 is Mamba Day.
As a five-time champion with the Lakers in 20 seasons, the Black Mamba left an everlasting impact on the game of basketball. That being said, members of the Lakers family like Pau Gasol, Magic Johnson, Caron Butler, Mychal Thompson and Judy Seto took to social media to wish the icon a happy birthday.
As a teammate, as an opponent at times and, more importantly, as a brother, always uncondicional and eternal love.
Happy birthday hermano, miss you. 🙏🏼❤️ pic.twitter.com/fe12IsKg0w
— Pau Gasol (@paugasol) August 23, 2026
I want to wish a happy heavenly birthday to Kobe Bryant! 🙏🏾🪽
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) August 23, 2026
Happy Birthday Bean…
🤲🏿 pic.twitter.com/ngVXODNI2k
— Caron Butler (@realtuffjuice) August 23, 2026
WOW…Kobe…48? Ohhhh man weer gettin OLD…I miss Kobe… pic.twitter.com/839gYUeG60
— Mychal Thompson (@champagnennuts) August 23, 2026
Happy birthday, Kobe. You always came prepared and did the work even afterwards. Mamba Mentality. Miss you always. ❤️💔 pic.twitter.com/1ld0fv4TN2
— Judy Seto (@judyseto) August 23, 2026
Icon. Legend. Laker. Happy Birthday, Kobe 💜 pic.twitter.com/FalzkNCZp4
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) August 23, 2026
It is always great to see the outpouring of love to celebrate Bryant’s life and to see former teammates continuing to carry his legacy. While the Mamba’s passing was untimely, his image remains upheld through his family and the Lakers organization by finding ways to commemorate his accomplishments.
In addition to reminiscing about Bryant as a basketball player, it is hard not to think about what he could have accomplished in retirement. He notably ventured into becoming an author, making children’s books called The Wizenard Series and saw instant success.
Now over half a decade since his passing, it is great to see the Black Mamba’s legacy living on and thankfully, it does not look like people will forget about Bryant any time soon.
Matt Barnes picks Kobe Bryant as best guest on ‘All The Smoke’
Podcasts have become an integral in today’s social media space, specifically in the NBA, with current and former players venturing into that field. Two former NBA players in Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson, host a popular podcast with All The Smoke, where they have a variety of guests on their platform.
Barnes has hosted this podcast for several years and he recently named Bryant as his favorite guest in what was the legend’s final interview in 2020.
Obviously, with that kind of weight, it makes sense for Barnes to pick the Black Mamba as his best guest.