Los Angeles city leaders have declared Wednesday as “Kobe Bryant Day,” honoring the Los Angeles Lakers icon who played 20 seasons in purple and gold before retiring in April.
The honor, which was announced in a statement Monday, falls on a day that commemorates the two jersey numbers that Bryant wore during his Lakers career: 8 and 24.
Bryant, who won has five championships among numerous other accolades, also will be honored for philanthropy work.
“Among his astonishing list of accomplishments, Kobe Bryant’s 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers ranks him No. 1 all-time for NBA players who played for a single franchise, and ‘Kobe Bryant Day’ is the City of Los Angeles’ way of thanking him for his single-minded dedication to excellence, the fans and the entire City and region of Los Angeles,” Los.Angeles City Councilman José Huizar said in a statement to the press.
“For 20 years, we were all the beneficiaries of Kobe’s incredible talent and legendary work ethic, and on 8-24 we’ll gather to say, ‘Thank you, Black Mamba.'”
Bryant will be honored at Los Angeles City Hall today by noon.
Now isn’t that the best birthday present ever?
