Los Angeles Lakers legend and Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant tragically passed away in a helicopter crash more than a year ago, but on Monday the NBA community decided to celebrate his life in what would have been his 43rd birthday.
One of the best players of all time, Bryant won five championships, one MVP, and 18 All-Star Games during his 20-year career. His achievements and work ethic made him a favorite not only for fans but also for young players who wanted to follow in his footsteps.
We saw his impact after the NBA Finals earlier this summer when Giannis Antetokounmpo talked about how much Bryant influenced his career.
“It almost started out like a joke at first,” Antetokounmpo said of asking Bryant for a challenge. "He was in a Nike ad I think and he was sending players challenges... and I was like 'Let me just shoot my shot' ... and he was like 'MVP.' But first of all 'I was kidding, I didn't think he was going to answer me. But when he did, he made me believe. I'm like, 'Kobe Bryant thinks I can do this? I can play here Am to a high standard and lead my team and win the MVP. I had to do it."
"I had to work hard," he continued. "And don't necessarily let him down. I had to work hard because people believed I could do it, and that's it. I'm a people pleaser. I don't like to let people down." When I re-signed with Milwaukee, that's the main reason I signed again, because I didn't want to disappoint people and think I didn't work hard enough for them, which I do. But in The length of time to be able to accomplish those things is insane. It's untrue. I can't believe it."
That praise became apparent again on Monday, as league players paid tribute to an icon of the sport.
Happy birthday to the 🐐 @kobebryant miss you killa 🙏🏾💜💛
— Isaiah Thomas (@isaiahthomas) August 23, 2021
Happy birthday Kobe. We love and miss you everyday 🙏🏾.
— 🏁 Jamal Crawford (@JCrossover) August 23, 2021
HBD to the legend❤️ #MambaForever pic.twitter.com/MrKGeBtG9R
— Jusuf Nurkić (@bosnianbeast27) August 23, 2021
— Jayson Tatum (@jaytatum0) August 23, 2021