The Los Angeles Lakers on Monday wore special “Black Mamba” jerseys to remember Kobe Bryant. They wore the jerseys in game four of their first-round playoff series on Monday in the NBA’s quarantine bubble in Florida, AFP reported.
Bryant, a five-time NBA champion, played for the LA Lakers throughout his career and is considered among the greatest players. He, along with his daughter Gianna, died in a fatal helicopter crash at Calabasas, California on January 26, this year.
The Lakers on Monday also wore a special patch bearing the No. 2 in a heart as they paid tribute to Gianna.
Monday was ‘Kobe Bryant Day‘ in Los Angeles where the city is honoring the five-time NBA champion with a move to rename the downtown road in front of the Staples Center arena after him.
“This is a gift to the city of Los Angeles and to all the Kobe Bryant fans around the world,” councilman Curren Price said of the proposal, AFP reported.
In 2016, Los Angeles initially declared August 24 to be ‘Kobe Bryant Day’. The player retired in April 2016 after a 20-year career.
Also, Sunday would have marked the NBA star’s 42nd birthday. His wife, Vanessa Bryant posted a heartfelt message for her late husband and daughter.
“To my baby. Happy birthday. I love you and miss you more than I can ever explain. I wish you and Gigi were here to celebrate YOU! I wish I could make you your fav food or a birthday cake with my Gigi. I miss your big hugs, your kisses, your smile, your loud ass deep laugh,” she wrote on Instagram.
Natalia Bryant, his 17-year old daughter too posted a note for her late father.
“I miss your smile, laugh and big bear hugs. Happy Birthday to the best movie buddy I could have ever asked for,” she wrote.
“I will always remember our late night drives to the movie theater with the windows rolled down and listening to our favorite songs. I love you forever and always. Always, Slim,” Natalia added.
