Today (Aug. 23) would have been Kobe Bryant‘s 45th birthday.
To celebrate, the NBA legend’s wife Vanessa Bryant took to Instagram to share a series of pictures showing her and her late husband in better times. “Happy birthday, baby. I love you always and forever,” she wrote as the caption. Celebrities like Lala Anthony, Mario Lopez, Zoe Saldana, Kris Jenner, Khloe Kardashian, and even the Los Angeles Lakers organization were among the many supporters who sent Vanessa love in the comments.
Tomorrow (Aug. 24), Kobe will be honored by the Santa Monica Pier Ferris Wheel with purple, gold, numbers “8” and “24” lit up on from around 7:30 p.m. to midnight as part of Kobe Bryant Day. “Aug. 24 marks a bittersweet day for basketball fans worldwide as they remember one of the greatest players to grace the basketball floor – Kobe Bryant,” a spokesperson wrote in a press release. “The Black Mamba, as he was affectionately known, left an indelible mark on the sport and the hearts of millions of fans. On this special day, we honor his legacy by looking back at three of Kobe Bryant’s most exceptional and memorable performances throughout his illustrious career.”.