One day is never enough to honor legends like Kobe Bryant. Aug. 24 is celebrated as Kobe Bryant Day or Mamba Day to honor the life and career of the legendary Lakers player.

Rep. Michelle Steel, R-Calif., announced the day last year to commemorate the late basketball legend, who died in a helicopter crash in 2020.

The day (8/24) was chosen to represent Bryant's jersey numbers 24 and 8. Since his debut season in 1996-97, Kobe has worn No. 8, and just before the 2006–07 season, he changed to No. 24.

"Kobe" is more than a name to many. It is an emotion, an inspiration, and a reflection of sportsmanship, unparalleled drive and determination, style of thinking, persona and competitive attitude. This was the "mamba mentality" that everyone in the world of sports had become familiar with ever since they saw the legend effortlessly shoot the hoops. His perseverance and passion for triumph were praised by athletes all around the world.

Here are a few interesting facts about the legend:

  1. Bryant was the first player in NBA history to have at least 30,000 career points and 6,000 career assists.
  2. Bryant spent his entire 20-year NBA career playing for the Lakers.
  3. He used the numbers 8 and 24 for ten seasons each.
  4. In collaboration with Sony Entertainment, he released the song "K.O.B.E" in January 2000, rapping about basketball, beats and broads.
  5. Bryant's first name was chosen by his parents after a famous beef from Kobe, Japan.
  6. Bryant was handpicked for 15 NBA All-Star teams and18 All-Star games. He won five championships and was named Most Valued Player (MVP) for one league and received two Finals MVP awards.
  7. He retired as the third-highest scorer of all time, behind Karl Malone and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

Here are a few quotes from the legend:

  1. "Great things come from hard work and perseverance. No excuses."
  2. "It's not about the number of hours you practice, it's about the number of hours your mind is present during the practice."
  3. "I have nothing in common with lazy people who blame others for their lack of success."
  4. "Heroes come and go, but legends are forever."
  5. "If you're afraid to fail, then you're probably going to fail. Once you know what it is in life that you want to do, then the world basically becomes your library. Everything you view, you can view from that perspective, which makes everything a learning asset for you."
  6. "What I'm doing right now, I'm chasing perfection... and if I don't get it, I'm going to get this close."
  7. "Dear Basketball, From the moment I started rolling my dad's tube socks and shooting imaginary game-winning shots ... I fell in love with you."

Here's a recap of the greatest moments of his career:

1. The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Toronto Raptors 122-104 on Jan. 22, 2006, thanks to Kobe Bryant's 81-point masterpiece.

2. He single-handedly defeated the Dallas Mavericks in just 32 minutes of play, scoring 62 points of 31 shots.

3. In 2018, he won the Oscar in the best short animated film category for "Dear Basketball," which he wrote and narrated.

4. In 2013, despite an injury on court, he didn't leave till he got three free throws.

5. Bryant's stone-like stance and a pump-fake strengthened his title as an unflustered, cold-blooded star.

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