How did LeBron James honor Kobe Bryant on his 47th birthday? Tribute explored

Los Angeles Lakers v Portland Trail Blazers - Game Four - Source: Getty
LeBron James honors Kobe Bryant on his 47th birthday (Image via Getty)

August 23 was once a day of celebration for Kobe Bryant. Since his tragic death in 2020, the date has become one of remembrance across the NBA community.

This year would have been the Los Angeles Lakers legend's 47th birthday. Tributes poured in from family, friends, basketball stars, and others who admired Kobe Bryant.

Current Lakers star LeBron James was one of them. James is now leading the Lakers. He reposted the team's official birthday tribute to Kobe. The post featured an image of Kobe Bryant wearing his No. 8 jersey mid-dunk.

The post was captioned:

"The heart of Los Angeles. Happy Birthday, Kobe 💜"

LeBron and Bryant never played together in the NBA. However, during James' early years with the Cleveland Cavaliers, his championship runs with the Miami Heat, and as teammates on Team USA's "Redeem Team" at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, he crossed paths with Kobe Bryant.

James has spoken often about the devastation he felt upon learning of Bryant's death. It was just one day after surpassing him on the NBA's all-time scoring list in January 2020.


Others who paid tribute to Kobe Bryant on his 47th birthday

The day began with an emotional message from Kobe's wife, Vanessa Bryant. She shared a photo of the couple together with the caption:

"We love and miss you and Gigi so much. Sending our love to you. Happy birthday, baby."

Since Kobe and Gianna's deaths, Vanessa has led the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation. She has also organized scholarship programs in her late daughter's honor. On Kobe's 47th birthday, she once again reminded fans of the husband and father behind the basketball superstar.

Their eldest daughter, Natalia, also posted a tribute, writing:

"Happy Birthday Daddy."

Kobe Bryant's sister, Sharia Washington, also added her thoughts on his birthday. She posted never-before-seen photos of Kobe as a child, captioning:

"You are loved. You are missed. Happy 47th birthday Bean! #47 #1of1 #belegendary "You are responsible for how people remember you, or don't. So don't take it lightly.""

Pau Gasol shared two championships with Bryant in 2009 and 2010. He has reportedly remained close to the Bryant family since the tragedy. He wrote:

"Happy Birthday, hermano. I miss you and love you always."

Magic Johnson, another Lakers icon from a different era, penned:

"Remembering husband, girl dad, entrepreneur, friend, five-time champion, and one of the greatest to ever lace them up, Kobe Bryant on his birthday."

Robert Horry, a seven-time NBA champion and Bryant's former teammate, also shared his thoughts:

"Happy Heavenly Birthday Kobe. I know my fellow Virgo is still getting buckets."

Notably, reports recently confirmed that Warner Bros. have acquired the rights to a biopic on Kobe. It will focus on the 1996 NBA Draft, where he was selected 13th overall by the Charlotte Hornets before being traded to the Lakers. The film is tentatively titled "With the 8th Pick?"


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Edited by Yesha Srivastava