After Kobe Bryant hung up his sneakers in 2016, then-Los Angeles mayor Eric Garcetti honored him by establishing “Kobe Bryant Day.” This year, we celebrate the eighth annual Mamba Day on August 24, a day dedicated to remembering the legendary Lakers guard who left an indelible mark on basketball.
So, why August 24? It’s simple: this date represents the two iconic jersey numbers—8 and 24—that Kobe wore during his illustrious 20-year career with the Lakers.
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This weekend in Los Angeles and nearby Orange County, festivities are underway to honor the late superstar, as reported by Michael Duarte of NBCS Los Angeles.
The Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation, headed by Kobe’s widow Vanessa, is launching a new clothing line called “LA Royal.” Their threads feature classic Lakers colors and include stylish sweatshirts and shorts.
For the second consecutive year, the Mamba League Invitational is taking place over two days, aligning with Bryant’s birthday on August 23 and Mamba Day on August 24. This tournament showcases top prep school basketball talent, with last year’s event featuring LeBron James’ son, Bryce James, among participants.
To add to the celebration, Dodger Stadium is hosting a special Lakers-themed event with T-shirt giveaways, kicking off the weekend with a tribute to the Showtime Lakers on Saturday and a unique Bryant jersey giveaway on Sunday.
On the western front, the Pacific Park Ferris wheel at Santa Monica Pier has been lit up in honor of Kobe’s number and Lakers colors, shining bright for all to see.
Meanwhile, Bryant’s birthday featured the launch of a new Nike sneaker, the Kobe 9 Elite High Potro “Halo,” now available at select retailers.
In Chicago, the courts at Jackson Park are buzzing with an eight-hour tournament and skills contest dedicated to Kobe’s legacy, according to Maxwell Evans of Block Chicago.
Over his 20-year tenure in the NBA, Kobe Bryant played 1,346 regular season games, averaging 25.0 points with impressive stats and accolades including 18 All-Star selections and five championships, solidifying his status as one of basketball’s greatest.