While the basketball world’s focus is on the 2020 NBA Playoffs, the last two days have been an opportunity to mourn and celebrate Kobe Bryant. The Los Angeles Lakers legend who passed away tragically alongside his daughter, Gianna, in January would have turned 42 on Sunday. Monday, August 24th, has been dubbed Kobe Bryant Day, an homage to the two jersey numbers he wore in a 20-year career with the Lakers.
To commemorate the first Kobe or Mamba Day since his passing, the Los Angeles City Council announced that they would rename part of Figueroa Street, where Staples Center is located, “Kobe Bryant Boulevard.”
Figueroa St. will soon be Kobe Bryant Blvd. between Olympic & MLK.
Kobe’s legacy is bigger than basketball. #KobeBryantBlvd will be a reminder to everyone, young and old who drive down it, there is no obstacle too big and that with the #Mambamentality , anything is possible. pic.twitter.com/gvekIFOU5u
— Herb J. Wesson, Jr. (@HerbJWesson) August 24, 2020
Kobe’s accomplishments for the Lakers are well-known but he was just as impactful for the city, especially in his work to aid the homeless population, alongside his wife, Vanessa. An entire city has been behind Kobe since 1996.
It’s a fitting tribute for a franchise icon who spent nearly half of his life playing basketball on that iconic LA landmark. It would only be more fitting if the next parade for an NBA championship occurs down the same street with Kobe’s name looking over the crowd.
