NBA legend Kobe Bryant may not be around to celebrate his birthday anymore, but the NBA community is celebrating for him. In honor of what would have been his 47th birthday, people flooded the internet to show their love and appreciation for the former Lakers star. Kobe's wife, Vanessa, started it with her annual post, showing off a joyful moment of the two together.
"We love and miss you and Gigi so much," wrote Vanessa on Instagram. "Sending our love to you. Happy birthday, baby."
Vanessa Bryant posts heartfelt message for Kobe's birthday.
Credit: vanessabryant/Instagram
Kobe and Vanessa were married for 19 years, and she was there for every moment of his rise to stardom. One can only imagine what she must be feeling today, without Kobe for what would have been a day of celebration.
After Vanessa's message, Lakers superstar LeBron James followed it up with a post of his own to honor the fallen Lakers hero.
LeBron James celebrates Kobe Bryant on his Instagram story.
Credit: kingjames/Instagram
LeBron and Bryant may have technically been rivals on the court, but they always had tremendous respect for each other. As two players with the heart of champions, they had a lot in common, and LeBron was a wreck when he learned of Kobe's passing.
One of Bryant's favorite teammates, Pau Gasol, also had something to say. He was famously close with Kobe and helped support his family after the crash. In his birthday message, he called Bryant his "brother," further cementing their relationship as more than teammates.
"Happy Birthday, hermano. I miss you and love you always," wrote Gasol.
Kobe and Pau won two championships together on the Lakers, and that sort of run is something that is never forgotten. Even now, years after Kobe's death, Gasol has a deep appreciation for Kobe and what they were able to accomplish in Los Angeles together.
Even the great Magic Johnson made sure to recognize Kobe today. Rather than just acknowledging his greatness on the court, however, he recognized Bryant for his many other titles.
"Remembering husband, girl dad, entrepreneur, friend, five-time champion, and one of the greatest to ever lace them up, Kobe Bryant on his birthday," wrote Magic.
Magic and Kobe never played together, but they were both leaders during some of the franchise's greatest eras. Magic has always recognized Kobe's greatness and frequently showers him with praise whenever he gets the chance.
Robert Horry, a 7x NBA champion, also made a special birthday post for Bryant and mentioned something that they both have in common.
"Happy Heavenly Birthday Kobe," wrote Horry. "I know my fellow Virgo is still getting buckets."
These posts are just some of the hundreds of birthday wishes for Bryant, and they reflect just how much of an impact he made on so many lives. For many fans, Bryant wasn't just a source of entertainment; he was an inspiration and a role model for how to work hard and achieve your dreams.
As a 5x champion, former MVP, 18x All-Star, and first ballot Hall of Famer, Bryant's legacy looms larger than life, and his story is still a source of motivation for countless individuals around the world.
While he's no longer around to share his wisdom or show off "Mamba mentality," the best we can do is keep his memory alive by celebrating his life, career, and all of the values that made him the man we knew and loved.
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