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via Getty

via Getty

In the sport of basketball, there are very few names that have impacted the sport. And one of those names is Kobe Bryant. With his incredible on-court skills and his mamba mentality, Bryant used to keep the audience captivated. Not only through his game, but his off-court presence played a big factor in his persona. Bryant used to support low-income families, supported cancer research, and had a foundation dedicated to improving the lives of children and families in need. And today would have marked his 45th birthday.

Vanessa Bryant took to social media to share a heartwarming tribute to the late basketball legend. Her post honors a magnificent life and serves as a constant reminder of the strength of love and the lasting legacy Kobe left behind. Not only she, but the entire NBA community remembered the legend and voiced their emotions on social media.

Vanessa & the NBA world remembers the Mamba

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Kobe and Vanessa’s love story began in 1999 on a music video set. Despite their age difference, they formed a deep bond. They married in 2001 and have three daughters, Natalia, Gianna, and Bianka. Kobe transitioned from a basketball career to a loving family man, building a legacy through their unwavering commitment.

However, tragedy struck in January 2020, casting a shadow over a family that had brought so much joy to the world. A tragic helicopter crash took the lives of Kobe, his daughter Gianna, and seven others from her basketball team. Despite the loss of an icon and promising talent, Kobe’s legacy of resilience continues to inspire.

In her Instagram post, Vanessa expressed her enduring love for her husband with a simple yet powerful message: “Happy birthday, baby. I love you always & forever. #82378“. The numbers in the hashtag reference Kobe’s birthdate, August 23rd, 1978. Not only Vanessa, but many other people were remembering Kobe and had a lot to say.

One fan wishing Kobe Bryant wrote,

Another fan showed how much Bryant’s loss affected her and wrote,

One fan even wrote that,

One fan even pointed out the similarity of Bryant’s Jersey numbers and his birthdate and wrote,

The entire NBA community is missing the legend and is remorseful for the early loss of a dynamic personality.

Bryant’s final FIBA World Cup appearance

Due to his marriage, Kobe Bryant withdrew to compete in the 2000 Olympics and did not play in the 2002 FIBA World Championship. He was nominated for the 2003 FIBA Americas Championship but had to withdraw due to knee and shoulder surgeries. Bryant was even one of the first two players to be made public when the U.S. preliminary roster for 2006–2008.

Read More: 23 Years Before Kobe Bryant’s Work Ethic Impressed Him, 3x All-Star Shares a Freaky Coincidence With ‘Black Mamba’

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Following knee surgery, he was sidelined once more and missed the 2006 FIBA World Championship. But his United States national team career began in 2007, with him being part of the 2007 USA Men’s Senior National Team and the USA FIBA Americas Championship Team.

via Getty

The Team finished 10–0, took home the gold, and qualified for the 2008 Olympics. At the 2008 Summer Olympics, they selected Bryant for the USA Men’s Senior National Team, and in the gold medal match against Spain; he finished with 20 points and six assists. However, after returning to the national squad for the 2012 Summer Olympics, Bryant retired with yet another gold medal under his belt. In three competitions, he concluded his career with a perfect 26-0 record and a gold medal in each.

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Kobe Bryant’s legacy demonstrates the power of love, human spirit strength, and inspiration amidst adversity. His impact reached far beyond the basketball court, and his memory lives on through the lives he touched. Mamba out.

Watch this Story: Vanessa Bryant and Her Journey of Keeping Kobe Bryant and Daughter Gigi’s Legacy Alive