Black Mamba might have left the world back in 2020 which will always be a sore spot, but what continues to live on is his legacy. Today marks the 46th birth anniversary of Kobe Bryant, someone who is regarded as one of the basketball greats to grace the hardwood. Thus, the whole of the basketball world is remembering Bryant’s greatness as birthday wishes pour in from different NBA legends.

Bryant retired and left the Los Angeles Lakers in 2016, and just two years later, LeBron James joined the Lakers to carry on the legacy of the franchise. Currently basking in the glory of the Olympic gold medal, LeBron James had a moment to recall Kobe on his birth anniversary as he retweeted the Lakers’ birthday post for him and used two emojis that define Black Mamba’s legacy as infinite- ” ♾ 🐍.” He also uploaded a story on his Instagram and wrote, “HBD MAMBA”. Even when Kobe passed away, the current Lakers star said in an emotional post, “I promise you, I’ll continue your legacy man.”

Kobe Bryant’s NBA career became legendary right from the start when he was traded to the Lakers after the Charlotte Hornets drafted him straight out of high school, making him one of the very few players to enter the league like that. Bryant climbed the ranks in a very fashionable manner and became a star by captivating basketball enthusiasts with his remarkable journey.

Not only did Kobe win five NBA championships, but he also earned 18 All-Star honors and made 12 All-Defensive team appearances. And his impact is reflected truly in his four All-Star MVP awards and two NBA Finals MVP titles. Kobe Bryant’s influence on the league continues to resonate today, with players striving to match the dedication and focus that made him a dominant force in his era. And on the special occasion of his birthday, the NBA family is all hearts for Black Mamba.

The enduring legacy of Kobe Bryant: Tributes from NBA legends

When Kobe Bryant joined the Los Angeles Lakers in 1996, he had a great responsibility to uphold the legacy of another Lakers legend who retired in the same year. It was Magic Johnson who played 13 seasons for the NBA and passed the torch to Black Mamba. Johnson had a heartfelt wish for his torch-bearer at the Lakers as he retweeted a post on X and wrote, “Happy heavenly birthday to the 5x NBA Champion, Olympic Gold Medalist, Oscar and Academy Award Winner, and my friend Kobe Bryant! We all miss you, but your legacy lives on with us forever”.  

Kobe Bryant also competed in two Olympics for Team USA, and in 2008, he shared the court with the former

Miami Heat star Dwyane Wade, securing the Olympic gold together. Wade also had a wish for his former national teammate as he uploaded Bryant’s smiling picture on his Instagram story and wrote, “Happy Birthday Bean”. Well, Bryant was loved not just among his teammates but rivals too.

The former

Minnesota Timberwolves star, Kevin Garnett, who faced Bryant twice in the NBA Finals, paid tribute to the Black Mamba by sharing a picture featuring Stephen Jackson, Matt Barnes, and the late legend. Garnett wrote, “Real ones”.

And the former Chicago Bulls star, Scottie Pippen who once declared Kobe Bryant as the greatest NBA player of all time shared his admiration for the late legend in a rather unique way. He uploaded a separate post on his Instagram account and wrote, “Kobe, you embodied hard work, dedication, and the spirit of a true champion both on and off the court. As a friend and father, your legacy continues to inspire. You are deeply missed. Happy birthday, Mamba.” Kobe Bryant averaged 23.7 points, 5.9 rebounds and 3.5 assists in 21 games versus Pippen in his career.

Kobe Bryant shared a good friendship with Tracy McGrady, who also found himself missing his friend as he posted an old picture with Black Mamba on his Instagram story and wrote, “Happy born day Bean”. From heartfelt tributes to emotional memories, Kobe’s spirit remains alive in the hearts of many.

Stay tuned for more such updates. Join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show.” Our host, BG12, sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.