Kobe Bryant, who passed away in a 2020 helicopter crash, would have turned 44 on August 23.
In honor of his birthday, wife Vanessa Bryant and a few of his peers have taken to social media to commemorate the Los Angeles Lakers legend.
“Happy birthday, baby! I love you and miss you so much!” Vanessa wrote next to a photo of her and Kobe. His oldest daughter, Natalia, sent him some birthday love, as well, posting a throwback of her and her late father.
The love for Kobe was also shared by others.
In a heartfelt post to his “hero,” actor O’Shea Jackson Jr. mentioned the impact the baller had on his life even after his death. “I watch and listen to you still, on bad days and the good,” O’Shea wrote on Twitter. “Wherever you are my friend, I know exactly how you spending this birthday. Getting shots up lol,” he continued, sending a hello to Kobe’s daughter Gianna.
The Lakers, actress Kerry Washington, Isaiah Thomas and Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving were among the others to celebrate Kobe.
“Love you Big brother @kobebryant Happy Solar Return…,” wrote Kyrie. “You and all the angels celebrate up in Paradise! The Black Mamba lives on.”
As fans know, Kobe, Gianna and seven others were killed in a helicopter crash in January 2020. Vanessa has since been embroiled in a lawsuit against LA County over leaked images of the victims and crash site. In testimony during the ongoing trial, she claimed the photos caused her to “live in fear every day of being on social media and having” them resurface. She’s suing the county for emotional distress and mental anguish.
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