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LOS ANGELES, CA – JANUARY 26: Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second half of a NBA basketball game at Staples Center on Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2016 in Los Angeles. Los Angeles Lakers won 119-115.”n(Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
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via Imago
LOS ANGELES, CA – JANUARY 26: Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second half of a NBA basketball game at Staples Center on Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2016 in Los Angeles. Los Angeles Lakers won 119-115.”n(Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/SCNG)
Tomorrow marks the first death anniversary of Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant. Since then, it has been one of the toughest years, not just for the NBA but for all of his fans across the globe. Many people have paid homage to Kobe since then, and here are five of the best tributes for the Mamba.
Lakers win the title for Kobe Bryant
Following his passing away, there was a lot of pressure on the Los Angeles Lakers to win it for Kobe. They lost their first game in the Staples Center after his death, but they stayed strong throughout the season, especially the playoffs, to bring home the Larry O’Brien trophy for Kobe. This was the greatest way they could have paid homage to him, and they did it in style.
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Lakers reintroduce the Black Mamba jerseys
Midway through the 2017-18 season, the Lakers released a Kobe inspired jersey, which instantly became a fan favorite. They brought it back for the 2020 Playoffs along with commemorative patches for both Kobe and Gigi. The Lakers played five games in that jersey and lost just once, almost proving that they were undefeatable in those jerseys.
Snoop Dogg’s tribute for Kobe Bryant at ESPYs
Snoop Dogg, like Kobe, is a fellow LA icon. During the 2020 ESPYs, the rapper presented a beautiful tribute to Kobe as he sang an emotional song that would bring any fan to tears. He also got a ‘KB’ tattoo dedicated to the five-time NBA champion.
Devin Booker pays homage to Kobe: Tattoo tribute from the protege
Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker has been touted as Kobe’s successor in the league for his scoring prowess. Back in 2016, Kobe told him to “Be legendary,” which he also signed on Booker’s shoes. So in March 2020, Booker got this phrase tattooed on his arm, as a tribute to his idol.
Kobe Bryant signed shoes for Devin Booker back in 2016 and told him to ‘Be Legendary’
Today, Devin Booker reveals a new ‘Be Legendary’ tattoo 🙌 pic.twitter.com/57xCGFxTm3
— Dime (@DimeUPROXX) March 4, 2020
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NBA renames All-Star MVP award to All-Star Game Kobe Bryant MVP award
There have been many tributes from teams and players, but this is one of the biggest ones. Adam Silver, the NBA commissioner, renamed the NBA All-Star Game Most Valuable Player in memory of Bryant, who is a joint record-holder when it comes to most All-Star MVPs. It was a touch of class from them, and LA native Kawhi Leonard became the first winner of this award.
"Thank you. This one's for him." 💜💛
Kawhi Leonard thanks the late Kobe Bryant upon winning the first-ever Kia NBA All-Star Game Kobe Bryant MVP Award. pic.twitter.com/o8YS1jLRy9
— NBA (@NBA) February 17, 2020
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There have been a lot of memorable tributes for Bryant so far, and there will be many more.
ALSO READ – WATCH: When LeBron James and Kobe Bryant Waged War Against Each Other
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